Bill > S00156

This bill amends existing law to increase the amount of awards made to crime victims and to clarify what constitutes "essential personal property" that is necessary and essential for a claimant's welfare. The bill defines essential personal property as items lost, damaged, or stolen due to a crime that are reasonably needed for a victim to regain stability or maintain a basic standard of living, and it specifies that the office responsible for these awards will create rules for determining what qualifies. Importantly, the bill states that a claimant's inability to provide a receipt for lost or stolen items will not automatically disqualify them from receiving reimbursement, and it lists specific examples of essential personal property, such as clothing, furniture, appliances, and bedding, with a reimbursement limit of up to $2,500 for these items.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S156