H.R. 8426: Crime Survivor Support and Stability Act of 2026

The Crime Survivor Support and Stability Act of 2026 aims to enhance the rights and support available to survivors of violence in the United States. Here's a summary of the key provisions of the bill:

Rights of Survivors of Violence

Congress expresses that each state should review its laws to ensure survivors of violence receive necessary support and healing. The bill lists specific rights for survivors, including:

• A right to accessible community help for trauma healing.
• A right to flexible financial assistance without heavy restrictions.
• A right to stable housing, including the ability to break leases without penalty.
• A right to paid leave from work for recovery from victimization.
• A right to debt forgiveness related to victimization.
• A right to legal assistance for various issues.
• A right to seek community-based alternatives to criminal justice processes.
• A right to protection from arrest or conviction due to actions arising from their victimization.

These rights are intended to be provided without conditions related to cooperation with law enforcement or any other systemic barriers related to personal demographics or past records.

Flexible Assistance for Survivors of Violence

The bill authorizes the Attorney General to set up grants for community organizations which will create assistance funds for survivors. The goals include:

• Providing direct cash assistance to improve safety, healing, and financial stability for survivors and their families.
• Encouraging grant applicants to demonstrate experience serving violent crime survivors.
• Establishing simplified application processes for organizations with no prior federal grant experience.

Grants will prioritize organizations that serve communities disproportionately affected by violence and that employ individuals with direct experience as survivors or formerly incarcerated persons.

Survey and Data Collection

The bill mandates that states receiving grants must conduct surveys among survivors to understand their needs and experiences related to services received post-victimization.

Key focus areas for these surveys include:

• Experience with services.
• Wants for services not received.
• Experiences with housing and law enforcement following victimization.

States are required to report findings from these surveys annually to improve services and support for survivors.

Key Definitions

The bill defines critical terms such as:

• Community-based organization: Non-profit entities serving specific geographic communities without any law enforcement affiliations.
• Survivor of violence: Individuals who have experienced various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking.

Funding and Administration

The bill proposes appropriating $40 million annually from fiscal years 2027 to 2031 to support the grant programs. Additionally, the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime may allocate up to 8% of these funds for administrative costs.

Additional Provisions

The bill ensures that cash assistance received by survivors does not impact their eligibility for other government assistance programs and is excluded from gross income for tax purposes.

Relevant Companies

None found