The bill amends the eligibility requirements for the crime victims' compensation program in South Dakota. It specifies that claims for compensation must be filed within one year of the personal injury or death resulting from a crime that was reported to law enforcement within five days, or within five days of when a report could reasonably have been made if immediate reporting was not possible. Additionally, the department has the authority to waive the one-year application requirement for good cause.

The bill also clarifies the conditions under which a victim may be denied compensation. It states that compensation may be denied if the victim engaged in conduct that substantially contributed to their injury or death, or if they participated in a crime that caused or contributed to their injury or death. However, this does not apply to certain victims, including minors at the time of the offense, victims of specific crimes such as sex offenses, human trafficking, domestic abuse, or elder abuse. Furthermore, compensation may be denied if the victim fails to cooperate with law enforcement or the department, and no compensation may be awarded to claimants if it would unjustly benefit an offender or accomplice.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/24/2025: 23A-28B-25