Bill > HB163

This bill amends Louisiana law to expand and rename the Exploited Children's Special Fund to the Survivor Special Fund, significantly broadening the scope of sex-related crimes that trigger a mandatory $2,000 monetary assessment. The assessment will now apply to a wide range of offenses including various forms of rape, sexual battery, human trafficking, domestic violence, child exploitation, and prostitution-related crimes. The fund will now be used to support services for adult and minor victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Specifically, the bill mandates that 25% of the fund will go to child advocacy centers, 25% to the state domestic violence coalition, and 50% to sexual assault crisis centers. The governor's office of human trafficking prevention is authorized to retain up to 10% of the fund for administrative expenses. If an offender is unable to pay the assessment due to financial hardship, the court can establish a payment plan. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive support and resources for victims of sex-related and violent crimes by creating a more robust funding mechanism.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB163&sbi=y