S.B. No. 1666 amends the Government Code to enhance the process of restitution payments to victims. It introduces new provisions requiring the department to transfer restitution payments derived from unclaimed property to the court that issued the restitution order, along with the last known address of the victim, if available. Additionally, the department must provide contact information for an employee who can assist county officials with inquiries about these payments. The bill also establishes that information shared with the court regarding restitution payments is confidential and not subject to public disclosure.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing regulations concerning the collection and disbursement of restitution payments by a parole panel. It mandates that the department not only collect and deposit restitution payments but also transmit them to the court promptly, including the victim's last known address. The timeframe for victims to claim restitution payments has been adjusted from five years to three years, after which unclaimed payments will be considered abandoned and reported to the comptroller. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 493.035, Government Code 508.322 (Government Code 493, Government Code 508)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 493.035, Government Code 508.322 (Government Code 493, Government Code 508)
Engrossed: Government Code 493.035, Government Code 508.322 (Government Code 493, Government Code 508)
House Committee Report: Government Code 493.035, Government Code 508.322 (Government Code 493, Government Code 508)
Enrolled: Government Code 493.035, Government Code 508.322 (Government Code 493, Government Code 508)