Bill > SB981

This bill modifies provisions related to the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund by making several key changes. First, it expands the timeframe for filing compensation claims, allowing victims to file claims up to two years after the occurrence of the crime, its discovery, the filing of criminal charges, or the conviction of the crime, whichever occurs later. For specific sexual and child-related offenses, victims can file claims at any time. The bill increases the court surcharge from $7.50 to $10 for various court proceedings and increases the judgment amounts against defendants based on the severity of their crimes (for example, from $68 to $100 for class A or B felonies). The legislation clarifies that the fund is a payor of last resort and can be reduced by other payments or benefits the victim might receive. It also specifies that the fund will distribute compensation on a pro-rata basis if insufficient funds are available, with the oldest claims paid first. Additionally, the bill allows for gifts and contributions to the fund, mandates biennial audits, and establishes penalties for fraudulent claims, which would be considered a class A misdemeanor.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=625