Candles and offerings from the scene of MPK’s official Vigil, Jan. 24, 2023 (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Tang)
On Monday, July 15, 2024, Assembly Bill (AB) 2979 by Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
By News Desk
AB 2979 ensures that payments received from the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) are exempt from state taxes.
CalVCB provides reimbursement for crime-related expenses to victims who suffered physical injury or the threat of physical injury due to a violent crime.
After the 2023 mass shooting in Monterey Park that took the lives of 11 community members and injured nine others, Assemblymember Mike Fong introduced AB 2979. The bill clarifies that survivors of violent crimes who receive CalVCB payments should not consider these payments to be gross income for the purposes of state taxes.
“As my office was helping survivors apply for CalVCB payments, which can help pay for funeral costs, income loss, and other recovery services, many constituents reported confusion on whether these payments are subject to state taxes,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong. “I am grateful to the Legislature and Governor Newsom for standing with survivors to provide clarity for not just Monterey Park, but Half Moon Bay, Trabuco Canyon, and all Californians who are continuing to heal after experiencing violence.”
AB 2979 received bi-partisan support in both the Assembly and Senate, and received no “NO” votes. It will go into effect immediately.
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