Bill > A00363

This bill amends the New York State Executive Law to expand eligibility for victim compensation awards by recognizing suicide within two years of a crime as a death directly resulting from that crime. Specifically, the bill modifies existing provisions to allow survivors of crime victims to receive compensation if the victim commits suicide within two years after experiencing a crime, provided the office administering victim compensation determines that the suicide was a result of the original crime. The bill adds language to two sections of the Executive Law: one section clarifies that such a suicide shall be considered a death directly related to the crime, and another section instructs the compensation office to disregard the victim's potential responsibility for their own injury in such cases. This change aims to provide additional support for families of crime victims who may experience severe psychological trauma that leads to suicide, recognizing the potential long-term impacts of criminal victimization on mental health. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A363