Bill > HB863

This bill modifies the existing Crime Victims' Compensation Fund and establishes a new Victims of Domestic Violence Fund by increasing the court surcharge from $7.50 to $17.50 for each court proceeding in criminal cases. The bill specifies that $10 of the surcharge will be specifically directed to the new Victims of Domestic Violence Fund, which will be used to provide financial support and compensation to domestic violence victims. The legislation maintains the existing provisions for distributing funds, including allocating money to state forensic laboratories and the Office for Victims of Crime, while ensuring that victims cannot receive compensation from both funds for the same incident. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for how funds will be managed, invested, and audited, with a focus on transparency and dedicated use for victim support. The changes aim to enhance financial resources available for supporting crime victims, with a particular emphasis on providing additional assistance to those impacted by domestic violence.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB863&year=2025&code=R