S0971.01T

To repeal section 595.050, RSMo 1994, relating to the services to victims fund, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the same subject.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:

     Section A. Section 595.050, RSMo 1994, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 595.050, to read as follows:

     595.050. 1. From funds appropriated for services to victims of crime, the director may contract with public or private agencies to provide assistance to victims of crime through direct services, emergency services, crisis intervention counseling and victim advocacy. Any such contract may consist solely of, or may include, educational and informational services to the public about the availability of services for victims of crime which are designed to alleviate the results of criminal acts. Under no circumstances shall the expenditures from general revenue for the purpose provided in this section exceed the amount of ninety thousand dollars each fiscal year.

     2. The director [may contract with an agency only if the agency agrees as part of the contract to:

     (1) Provide a cash match of at least twenty percent of the total project cost if the agency has an existing victim assistance program; or

     (2) Provide a cash match of at least thirty-five percent of the total project cost if the state funding will be used to start a new victim assistance program.

The director] shall ensure that funds administered under section 595.055, section 595.105 and this section will not be used by any agency to supplant existing funds which are presently being used to provide assistance to victims of crime.

     3. Each contract shall be subject to review by the director at least annually.