The bill proposes the repeal of section 595.045 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts two new sections, 595.045 and 595.250, which relate to the compensation of crime victims. A significant change includes increasing the surcharge assessed in court proceedings from seven dollars to seventeen dollars and fifty cents, which will contribute to the "Crime Victims' Compensation Fund." Additionally, the bill establishes a new "Victims of Domestic Violence Fund," which will receive ten dollars from the surcharge collected under section 595.045. This fund is dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence and will be managed by the state treasurer. The bill outlines the distribution of funds collected, ensuring that a portion is allocated to the state forensic laboratory account and the services to victims' fund. It also specifies that victims of domestic violence can receive compensation from either the new fund or the existing crime victims' compensation fund, but not from both for the same incident. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining records and conducting audits to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of these funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4455H.01): 595.045, 595.250