Stay current on Crime Victim Services Division news, policy changes, grant opportunities, and portal updates. 

Last updated: July 21, 2025 

What’s New 

  • Victim Notification for Crime Victims – Texas is moving from VINE to a new victim notification system by Sylogist. For victims already registered with VINE, no action is needed now. Visit the Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service (SAVNS) Modernization Project page for more details.
  • Portal update - Advocates and Law Enforcement can now access the "Upload Affidavit" and "Upload Crime Report" buttons in the portal. Once approved, the "Upload Bills" button will also become accessible.

Legislative Watch

The 89th Legislative Session officially ended on June 2, 2025. Below are key bills that will impact victim compensation, service provider practices, and eligibility rules. These laws will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Compensation & Eligibility 

  • HB 3745 – Simplifies the process for emergency awards to survivors of mass casualty victims for dates of crime after August 31, 2025. 

Program Expansion & Support Services 

  • HB 47– Omnibus bill from the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force.
    • Extends Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification from 2 to 3 years for applications after August 31, 2025.
    • Adds follow-up care that is prescribed and related to the sexual assault as covered under emergency medical care during the 30-day period after the sexual assault examination for medical care after August 31, 2025.
  • SB 1804 – Allows Crime Victims’ Compensation funds to cover tattoo removal for human trafficking victims when related to the crime and restitution is ordered for the tattoo removal for dates of crime after August 31, 2025.
  • SB 2601 – Expands the Landowner Compensation Program for dates of crime after August 31, 2025.

Records 

  • HB 2355 – Clarifies that law enforcement records held by the Office of the Attorney General are not public under open records laws.

Policy  

The process for reviewing counseling bills has been streamlined. The mental health form is no longer required for all counseling bills. Instead, a form will only be requested when additional information is needed to relate the services to the crime or to provide justification if the victim or claimant seeks payment for more counseling sessions once the 60-session maximum has been met.

Website  

Victim & Advocate Paths Updated 

The Victim Path and Advocate Path have been redesigned for easier navigation and clearer information. Updates include simplified language, mobile-friendly design, emergency escape buttons on sensitive pages, and the latest program details. 

Training 

No current updates.

Grant Opportunities 

None available.

Questions? 
Our commitment is to provide the assistance you need and make the process as simple as possible. 

If you have questions about available options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

You can contact us online 
 or 
 You can reach us by phone: 
 Mon. – Fri., 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CT 
 Toll Free: (800) 983-9933 
 In Austin: (512) 936-1200