Compensation for victims of violent crimes

The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1292 on compensation for victims of violent crimes sponsored by Sen. Crider.Author Rep. Negele introduced the bill whichfor purposes of the law concerning compensation to victims of violent crime, changes the definition of “claimant” to include certain family members of a victim. The bill expands the list of expenses eligible for compensation to include crime scene cleanup and replacement windows or door locks. The bill also allows the victim services division of the Indiana criminal justice institute to accept proof that evidence was collected during a forensic exam as a claimant’s cooperation with law enforcement.

The bill was amended by consent to provide that a claimant who contributed to the injury or death of a victim may not be awarded compensation on behalf of the victim of a violent crime. 

The Indiana Public Defender Council, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Everytown for Gun Safety testified in support of the bill.  The amended bill passed 7-0. 

Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/bills/house/1292