The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 172 concerning compensation for victims of violent crime sponsored by Rep. McNamara. The author, Sen. Crider, explained that the bill:
- 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 certain records obtained by the victim services division (division) of the criminal justice institute are to remain confidential.
- provides , where justice requires, the division may award compensation before an information or indictment is filed.
- adds procedures for claim denial by the division. Provides 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 which were incurred within 180 days of the violent crime.
- provides 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; and
- 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 bill was amended by consent to remove the word “division” and add in its place “board of trustees of the institute.”
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute testified in support of the bill. The amended bill passed 12-0.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/senate/172