The bill amends the existing law regarding crime victim services in Michigan, specifically focusing on the compensation awarded to victims. It establishes that awards must not exceed $45,000 per claimant for out-of-pocket losses, including medical expenses and loss of earnings due to the crime. The bill introduces new provisions for temporary relocation expenses, allowing up to $3,800 for individuals relocating for safety reasons, and includes specific allowances for pet-related costs, funeral expenses, and psychological counseling. Notably, it sets limits on various types of expenses, such as $1,000 for residential security improvements and $5,000 for travel expenses related to accessing services or attending funerals.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding the victim's misconduct, changing references from "his or her" to "the victim's" to ensure clarity and consistency. It also emphasizes that the commission must consider whether the victim's actions contributed to their injury when determining awards. The bill aims to enhance the support provided to crime victims while ensuring that compensation is fair and just, preventing any potential unjust enrichment of individuals responsible for the crime.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 18.361