FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6668

                              C 73 L 90

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Newhouse, Talmadge, Patrick and von Reichbauer; by request of Department of Labor and Industries)

Amending crime victims' compensation provisions.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Judiciary

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1988, Congress amended the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), requiring that states who receive federal crime victims compensation grants meet new standards to maintain their eligibility.  These standards include (1) extending crime victims' eligibility to Washington State residents, who have been victims of any crimes committed in other states which would have made them eligible for compensation had the crime been committed in Washington State; and (2) victims who are injured or killed by a drunk driver (DWI).  Currently, out-of-state victims are not eligible.  DWI victims are eligible only if (1) the offender is fatally injured and the offense is classified as vehicular homicide; or (2) the offender is charged and convicted of vehicular assault.

SUMMARY:

Under the Crime Victims' Compensation Program, coverage is extended to (1) victims of any crimes committed in other states which would have made them eligible for compensation had the crime been committed in Washington State, and where that state does not have crime victims' coverage for that crime; and (2) victims who are injured or killed by a drunk driver.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   48    0

     House 96  0 (House amended)

     Senate   43    0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:October 1, 1990