2016 -- H 7533

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LC004138

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE-CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Blazejewski, Johnston, Keable, Casey, and Solomon

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2016

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     (General Treasurer)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 12-25-21.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-25 entitled

"Criminal Injuries Compensation" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     12-25-21.1. Emergency fund for victims. -- (a) The office may award emergency

compensation under this chapter for the: (1) Burial expenses of a victim who dies as a direct

result of a violent crime as defined in this chapter; (2) Cost of the crime scene clean up; and (3)

Relocation expenses.

      (b) The award for emergency compensation shall be awarded at the sole discretion of the

program administrator. The administrator may promulgate rules and regulations to administer the

provisions of this section.

      (c) An award for emergency compensation for burial expenses shall not exceed the sum

of eight thousand dollars ($8,000). ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

      (d) An award for emergency compensation for crime scene clean up shall not exceed two

thousand dollars ($2,000). five thousand dollars ($5,000).

      (e) An award for emergency compensation for relocation costs shall not exceed two

thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).

      (f) The award for emergency compensation for burial expenses, crime scene clean up,

and relocation costs shall be deducted from the final award. In the event the victim is not eligible

for an award, the victim shall repay the amount of the emergency award to the fund.

      (g) Any payments made for the emergency compensation shall be deducted from the

final award. In no event shall the final award exceed the maximum award of twenty-five thousand

dollars ($25,000).

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE-CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

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     This act would increase the emergency fund pursuant to the Criminal Injuries

Compensation Act for burial expenses from $8,000 to $10,000 and increase the emergency

relocation costs from $2,000 to $5,000.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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