Brief Description: Providing additional funding for crime victims' compensation.

Sponsors: Representatives Sommers, Walsh, Darneille, Anderson, Chase, Dickerson, Ericks, Roberts, Conway, Linville, Kenney and O'Brien; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Hearing Date: 2/28/05

Staff: Nona Snell (786-7153).

Background:

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) administers the Crime Victims Compensation Program (Program). The Program is the payer of last resort for crime victim's medical expenses and covers all sexual assault forensic examination expenses. Because medical expenses have increased 58 percent in the past year, the currently appropriated amounts will not cover the Program costs through the end of the biennium. The Program has historically been funded from the Public Safety and Education Account (PSEA).

Summary of Bill:

The bill appropriates $3,627,000 from the general fund to the PSEA and from the PSEA to L&I for costs incurred for the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.