CRIME VICTIM'S COMPENSATION; MODIFY                                                   H.B. 4674 (H-3) & 4675 (H-2):

                                                                                                                                                                                                      SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                                                                                                        REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill  4674 (Substitute H-3 as reported without amendment)

House Bill 4675 (Substitute H-2 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:   Representative Bronna Kahle (H.B. 4674)

                            Representative Bradley Slagh (H.B. 4675)

House Committee:   Rules and Competitiveness

Senate Committee:   Judiciary and Public Safety

CONTENT

House Bill 4674 (H-3)  would amend the crime victim's compensation Act to do the following:

 --       Modify the list of individuals eligible for an award under the Act.

 --       Modify the threshold for making a claim for lost earnings or support.

 --       Increase, from $500 to $4,000, the maximum emergency award allowed under the Act.

 --       Increase, from $25,000 to $45,000, the maximum aggregate award allowed under the Act per claimant.

 --       Prescribe certain requirements for an award for out-of-pocket loss.

 --       Modify provisions governing the amount of an award for lost earnings or support.

 --       Increase, from $5,000 to $8,000, the maximum award that could be made for funeral expenses.

 --       Delete provisions requiring the Crime Victims Services Commission to deny an award if it determined that a claimant will not suffer serious financial hardship as a result of the loss of earnings or support and the out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the injury if he or she is not granted financial assistance.

House Bill 4675 (H-2)  would amend the Act to do the following:

 --       Extend the time period in which a claimant must file a claim.

 --       Allow a claim to be filed by electronical means authorized by the Commission, if applicable.

 --       Delete certain notification requirements.

 --       Allow the Commission to inquire with the proper law enforcement authorities as part of an investigation of a claim filed with the Commission.

 --       Modify provisions requiring the Commission to not grant an award unless an investigation of the claim verifies certain facts.

 --       Modify provisions prescribing how an award must be paid.

Each bill would take effect 450 days after its enactment and would apply to claims submitted on or after its effective date.

MCL 18.351 et al. (H.B. 4674)