This bill amends various sections of Louisiana law to modernize the terminology and procedures related to the compensation of crime victims. It notably changes references from the "Crime Victims Reparations Fund" to the "Crime Victims' Compensation Fund" and updates the "Crime Victims Reparations Board" to the "Crime Victims' Compensation Board." The bill introduces new definitions, clarifies eligibility criteria, and outlines the powers and duties of the board, including the application process and award amounts. It also repeals the Victims of Vehicular Homicide Act and establishes provisions for the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice and the attorney general.

Additionally, the bill enhances the support available to victims by specifying that survivors of sexual offenses will not be billed for forensic medical examinations and expands the types of expenses eligible for compensation. It restructures the Victims' Compensation Board's composition and modifies the application process, extending the filing period from one year to three years. The bill emphasizes confidentiality for sensitive information and outlines criteria for awarding compensation, ensuring that victims are not penalized based on their criminal history. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the compensation process and strengthen protections for victims, particularly those affected by human trafficking and sexual offenses.

Statutes affected:
HB969 Original: 4:176(B), 15:2(C)(1), 15:705(C)(3), 15:874(7), 15:875(E), 27:94(C), 27:252(C), 27:394(C), 27:610(A)(3), 32:865(B)(2), 36:4(B)(11), 40:1(A), 44:4(28)
HB969 Engrossed: 4:176(B), 15:2(C)(1), 15:705(C)(3), 15:874(7), 15:875(E), 27:94(C), 27:252(C), 27:394(C), 27:610(A)(3), 32:865(B)(2), 36:4(B)(11), 40:1(A), 44:4(28)
HB969 Enrolled: 4:176(B), 15:2(C)(1), 15:705(C)(3), 15:874(7), 15:875(E), 27:94(C), 27:252(C), 27:394(C), 27:610(A)(3), 32:865(B)(2), 36:4(B)(11), 40:1(A), 44:4(28), 46:1802, 46:1807(A), 46:1809(A), 46:1811(A), 46:1816(A), 46:1817(A), 46:1842, 46:1844(V), 46:1852(D), 46:1853(A)
HB969 Act 684: 4:176(B), 15:2(C)(1), 15:705(C)(3), 15:874(7), 15:875(E), 27:94(C), 27:252(C), 27:394(C), 27:610(A)(3), 32:865(B)(2), 36:4(B)(11), 40:1(A), 44:4(28), 46:1802, 46:1807(A), 46:1809(A), 46:1811(A), 46:1816(A), 46:1817(A), 46:1842, 46:1844(V), 46:1852(D), 46:1853(A)