Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz (D-51st) has taken a tremendous step forward in assisting crime victims in New York State with the passage of his Crime Victim's Award Bill (A.4011). The Assemblyman's legislation redefines the term "necessary court appearance", for the purpose of determining a crime victim's compensation.

The cost of travel to court appearances for the victim of a crime can be very expensive and sometimes beyond their financial means, thereby limiting the victim's ability to properly assist the prosecution. Ortiz' bill will ensure that crime victims are compensated for their travel expenses so that they may be involved throughout the duration of their case.

"A victim's ability to assist the state in prosecuting an individual that has wronged them should be a right, not a privilege. The inability of an individual to cover travel should not determine a victims involvement or diminish their rights." said Ortiz.