SB 3700

Abstract

Amends the Crime Victims Compensation Act. Deletes language providing that a victim does not include a person who is convicted of a felony until that person is discharged from probation or released from a correctional institution and has been discharged from parole or mandatory supervised release. Provides instead that a victim's criminal history or felony status shall not automatically prevent compensation to that victim. Expands the powers and duties of the Attorney General. Changes the amount of time a person entitled to compensation under the Act has to present an application to the Attorney General to 3 (rather than 2) years. Provides considerations for the Attorney General to consider in determining whether cooperation of the applicant has been reasonable. Provides that an award shall be reduced or denied according to the extent to which the victim's acts or conduct instigated or aggravated (rather than contributed) his or her injury or death and the victim's actions reasonably led to him or her being victimized (rather than the extent to which any prior criminal conviction or conduct of the victim may have directly or indirectly contributed to the injury or death of the victim). Provides that a denial or reduction shall not automatically bar the survivors of homicide victims from receiving specified services if the survivor's actions have not initiated, provoked, or aggravated the suspect into initiating the qualifying crime. Provides that emergency awards may be issued for the purpose of paying funeral and burial expenses and any relocation expenses incurred by the applicant. Provides that certain changes in the Act apply to actions commenced or pending on or after January 1, 2021. Makes other changes. Amends the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act. Removes references to the Crime Victim Services Division. Effective immediately.