House Bill No. by Representative Wiley seeks to amend Louisiana law regarding compensation for victims of criminal offenses by rebranding the "Crime Victims Reparations Fund" to the "Crime Victims' Compensation Fund" and the "Crime Victims Reparations Board" to the "Crime Victims' Compensation Board." The bill introduces new definitions and clarifies the eligibility criteria for compensation, expanding the definition of "victim" to include individuals who suffer personal injury or death as a result of crimes committed in Louisiana or by Louisiana residents outside the state. It also extends the application period for compensation from one year to three years after the crime and specifies the documentation required for claims, including police reports and attestations from healthcare providers.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all licensed hospitals provide sexual assault survivors with information about treatment options and ensures that they are not billed for forensic medical examinations. It establishes conditions for parole related to restitution payments, ensuring that parolees must reimburse the compensation fund if victims have received compensation. The bill also enhances confidentiality protections for victims, particularly minors and those affected by sexual offenses or human trafficking, and introduces penalties for fraud related to compensation claims. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the compensation process, enhance support for victims, and ensure that funds are effectively utilized for their intended purpose.

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)