ARTICLE 25 SUBSTITUTE A

RELATING TO CRIME VICTIMS' COMPENSATION FUND

SECTION 1. Section 12-25-28 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-25 entitled “Criminal Injuries Compensation” is hereby amended to read as follows:

12-25-28.  Special indemnity account for criminal injuries compensation. – (a) It is provided that the general treasurer establish a violent crimes indemnity account within the general fund for the purpose of paying awards granted pursuant to this chapter. The court shall assess as court costs in addition to those provided by law, against all defendants charged with a felony, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor, whether or not the crime was a crime of violence, and who plead nolo contendere, guilty or who are found guilty of the commission of those crimes as follows:

(1) Where the offense charged is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of five (5) or more years imprisonment, one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) or fifteen percent (15%) of any fine imposed on the defendant by the court, whichever is greater.

(2) Where the offense charged is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of less than five (5) years imprisonment, ninety dollars ($90.00) or fifteen percent (15%) of any fine imposed on the defendant by the court, whichever is greater.

(3) Where the offense charged is a misdemeanor, thirty dollars ($30.00) or fifteen percent (15%) of any fine imposed on the defendant by the court, whichever is greater.

(b) These costs shall be assessed whether or not the defendant is sentenced to prison and in no case shall they be waived by the court.

(c) When there are multiple counts or multiple charges to be disposed of simultaneously, the judge shall have the authority to suspend the obligation of the defendant to pay on all counts or charges above three (3).

(d) Up to five percent (5%) fifteen percent (15%) of the state funds raised under this section, as well as federal matching funds, shall be available to pay administrative expenses necessary to operate this program. Federal funds for this purpose shall not supplant currently available state funds, as required by federal law.

SECTION 2. This article shall take effect upon passage.