SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6207

BYSenators McCaslin, Owen, Smith, Thorsness, Warnke, Rasmussen, Anderson, Bailey and Newhouse; by request of Attorney General

Creating an office of crime victim services.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 11, 1990

Senate Staff:Richard Rodger (786-7416)

AS OF JANUARY 11, 1990

BACKGROUND:

At the present time, crime victim benefit programs and service programs are operated by the Department of Labor and Industries and the Department of Social and Health Services.  There is a belief that these programs can be operated more effectively and efficiently through consolidation.

SUMMARY:

An Office of Crime Victim Services is established by the Attorney General's office.  The office administers and coordinates the following programs:  1) the crime victim compensation program; 2) grants to domestic violence shelters and sexual assault programs; 3) public education and awareness programs; and 4) training assistance.  The office responds to concerns regarding victim issues, coordinates crime victim services, and advocates on behalf of the crime victim services and rights.

An advisory group is established to work with the director of the office.  The crime victim compensation program is removed from the public safety and education account.  The new office is included in the current Crime Victim Compensation Act, and the administrative responsibilities are transferred from the Department of Labor and Industries to the Office of Crime Victim Services.

In the case of child abuse, a report of the crime must be made to law enforcement and Child Protective Services.  The time in which a victim must report the crime to law enforcement is changed from 72 hours to within 90 days of the crime.  Victims of childhood crimes may report the crimes once conscious memory of the crime occurs.

The limitations imposed on benefits received as the result of a single injury or death, total permanent disability and total temporary disability are increased.  The benefits authorized other than medical benefits as a result of a single injury or death shall be $70,000 and $80,000 respectively if the injury results in total permanent disability or death.  The $150,000 cap on medical benefits is eliminated. 

Sections dealing with benefits available to a victim for wage loss compensation, pension benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, vocational benefits and benefits for beneficiaries are added to the Crime Victim Compensation Act.

A crime victim compensation account is created in the office of the State Treasurer.  Expenditures from this account may be used only for the purposes of the Crime Victim Compensation Act and only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from that fund.

Procedures are provided for an appeal by a claimant who is aggrieved by a decision.  The current Department of Social and Health Services programs that award grants to programs providing services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims are incorporated into the Office of Crime Victim Services.

An additional grant program is created to increase services available to sexual offense victims. 

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested