Victim compensation.

Assembly Member Sharp-Collins proposes substantial changes to California's victim compensation system through legislation that modifies evidence requirements and verification processes while adjusting compensation limits for crime victims and their dependents.

The bill eliminates mandatory verification requirements by the California Victim Compensation Board when reviewing compensation applications. Under the new provisions, the board may verify application information but cannot demand additional documentation if valid verification has already been provided through approved sources like medical records, victim advocate statements, or protective orders. The legislation also prohibits the board from seeking law enforcement verification when crimes were not reported to police or when alternative evidence has been submitted.

Key changes expand the forms of acceptable evidence to establish that a qualifying crime occurred. Medical records documenting injuries, statements from victim advocates, court-issued protective orders, and reports from licensed medical professionals would all constitute valid verification. The bill removes provisions that previously allowed denial of claims based on a victim's level of cooperation with law enforcement.

For compensation related to loss of income and support, the legislation reduces the maximum amount payable to derivative victims - those who suffer economic losses due to a victim's injury or death - from $100,000 to $70,000. The bill maintains existing eligibility criteria requiring either current employment, recent income history of at least $1,320, or a pending job offer at the time of the crime.

These modifications aim to streamline the compensation process while maintaining program integrity through defined evidence standards and updated monetary limits. The changes would take effect immediately upon enactment, requiring the board to promptly implement new guidelines and procedures.