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AB 1716

California Victim Compensation Board: tuition reimbursement.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Nguyen and 3 co-sponsors

AB 1716 expands California's victim compensation program to reimburse crime victims for tuition and education expenses resulting from their victimization.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (March 10). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
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Bill Summary · AB 1716

Legislative bill overview

AB 1716 expands the California Victim Compensation Board's (CalVCB) authority to reimburse tuition and education-related expenses for victims of crime. The bill allows the state compensation program to cover higher education costs that result from crime-related injuries or trauma, extending beyond traditional medical and wage-loss reimbursements currently provided.

Why is this important

Crime victims often face significant barriers to education due to physical injuries, psychological trauma, or lost income from their victimization. Expanding tuition reimbursement could help victims rebuild their lives and economic stability through education access, while potentially reducing long-term dependence on social services. This addresses a gap where victims' direct crime-related harms to educational advancement currently go uncompensated.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and budget constraints: Expanding CalVCB benefits increases state spending on victim compensation, requiring appropriations that may compete with other priorities during budget discussions
  • Definition and eligibility scope: Unclear boundaries about what qualifies as crime-related education interruption and how to verify causation between victimization and educational need could create implementation challenges
  • Program sustainability: Long-term tuition assistance could create open-ended liabilities, particularly if eligibility expands to cover multi-year degree programs or graduate education

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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