The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 172 on compensation for victims of violent crime authored by Sen. Crider. The bill does the following:
- Amends definitions of emergency shelter care, motor vehicle, violent crime, and victim of a child sex crime.
- Changes out-of-pocket loss to out-of-pocket expenses.
- Provides that certain records obtained by the victim services division (division) of the criminal justice institute are to remain confidential.
- Provides that, where justice requires, the division may award compensation before an information or indictment is filed.
- Adds procedures for claim denial by the division.
- Provides that an award may not be made unless the claimant has incurred an out-of-pocket expense or loss of income that exceeds $100.
- Adds that the division may order the payment of compensation for reasonable, documented expenses that were incurred within 180 days of the violent crime.
- Provides that the director may extend the 180 days to two years for mental health counseling.
- Requires written verification of all losses and expenses requested before making an award.
- Adds procedures for application denial and appeals.
- Repeals the law relating to payment of compensable losses, hearings concerning the merits of an application, decisions by a hearing officer, the reduction of awards, and appealing the findings of a hearing officer.
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Indiana Public Defender Council testified in support of the bill. The bill passed 8-0. Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/senate/172