Delegate Delaney presented HB 1968 and introduced line amendments clarifying that the Victims' Compensation Fund commission should consider police and court records and the victim’s physical, mental, emotional and family situation when determining whether a crime was ‘promptly reported.’ The bill extends the filing deadline from one year to three years after the crime (and likewise gives three years for someone filing on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person). It also removes language that allowed the commission to deny, reduce or withdraw an award based solely on a finding that a victim did not fully cooperate with law enforcement.

Multiple victim‑service organizations, survivor advocates and anti‑trafficking groups testified in support. Robert Borys for the Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking said the extension is important because survivors of trafficking often need years of counseling before they can fully engage with authorities. Gwen Cassidy, a survivor and advocate, described delayed recall and long‑running trauma that delayed her ability to seek remedies. The Virginia Victim Assistance Network and the Virginia Poverty Law Center also supported the bill.

Testimony emphasized that many victims do not promptly report crimes for myriad reasons — fear, coercion, trauma, or ongoing danger — and that restrictive timelines and cooperation requirements can exclude survivors from financial help for medical bills, relocation, funeral expenses and similar needs. Supporters said the bill would broaden equitable access to the Victims' Fund while keeping appropriate safeguards; sponsor Delaney said the amendments respond to those access concerns.

After discussion, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend reporting HB 1968 as amended; the remote roll call recorded the recommendation as unanimous.