A C Wharton, Jr.
Mayor of Shelby County

NEWS ALERT
Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Legislation aiding crime victims is moving through the committee process in Nashville. A final vote on this legislation is scheduled this week

Initially introduced in the 2005 session of the Tennessee General Assembly, the measure was included as a recommendation in the Shelby County Efficiency Study. The Efficiency Study was undertaken as part of Mayor A C Wharton’s efforts to streamline government and stabilize its finances, and included a number of recommendations for placing the burden of paying for services on those who create the need for those services.

The Crime Victims Fee Bill (Senate Bill 1764 and House Bill 1360) authorizes counties to charge a $42 fee to defendants convicted crimes, with exceptions for certain misdemeanor offenses. The fees would be used solely to fund crime victims’ programs.

“We are pleased to have made this level of progress on legislation of great significance to Shelby County. If we are successful in obtaining approval of this bill, we will be able to enhance our efforts and provide meaningful assistance to individuals whose lives have been turned upside down because of a senseless criminal act”, said Wharton.

While costs associated with arresting, trying, and incarcerating criminals are substantial, proportionately less money is spent on the victims of crimes themselves. A Crime Victim Fee paid by convicted criminals provides a restorative justice approach for providing for the needs of those who are victimized by crime. Counties spend millions of dollars each year dealing with criminals. In contrast, counties spend only $96 per each crime victim. A $42 fee charged to people convicted of crimes will provide sizeable financial support for the Crime Victims’ Centers located in each county.

“We are grateful to Senator Curtis Person and Representative John DeBerry for sponsoring the bill and serving as such effective advocates. I would like to thank all of those who contacted members of the House and Senate committees and am hopeful the bill will pass this week”, said Heidi Verbeek, Administrator of the Shelby County Crime Victims’ Center.