WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1366

An Act amending the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Cappelletti and 6 co-sponsors

Expands reimbursable out-of-pocket losses for crime victims to include specified medical, counseling, relocation, scene-cleaning, evidence-collection costs, and other direct needs,

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1366

Overview

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1366 (2025-2026) amends the Crime Victims Act (act of Nov. 24, 1998, P.L. 882, No. 111) to modify the scope of “out-of-pocket loss” reimbursements for crime victims. The bill focuses on expanding or clarifying the categories of expenses that may be reimbursed and sets the reimbursement rate to be determined by the Office of Victims’ Services (OVS). It becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Purpose and intent

  • Clarify and potentially broaden the types of expenses eligible for reimbursement to crime victims.
  • Ensure certain costs incurred as a direct result of a crime are recoverable through the victims’ assistance framework, subject to OVS-determined reimbursement rates.

Key provisions and changes

  • Redefines or elaborates “out-of-pocket loss” to include several specific expense categories (see details below).
  • Reimbursement for these expenses is to be provided at a rate set by the Office of Victims’ Services.
  • The definition explicitly lists six categories of reimbursable expenses, each intended to cover costs directly tied to the crime and necessary for recovery, safety, or documentation.
  • Explicitly clarifies that, with limited exceptions, property damage or pain and suffering are not included in “out-of-pocket loss” reimbursements.

Detailed categories of reimbursable expenses (as amended)

  1. Medical and nonmedical remedial care and treatment, including related indebtedness, approved by the Office of Victims’ Services or other authorized entity.
  2. Counseling, prosthetic devices, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, hearing aids, eyeglasses or other corrective lenses, dental devices reasonably necessary due to the crime, where the claimant has paid or is liable.
  3. Expenses for cleaning the crime scene of a private residence or privately owned vehicle, including removal of stains, blood, dirt, or debris resulting from crime scene processing.
  4. Expenses arising from the temporary or permanent relocation of a direct victim, individuals, and common household pets residing in the victim’s household due to the incident. This includes temporary boarding costs for common household pets when there is an immediate safety/health need verified by a medical provider, human services provider, or law enforcement. The term “common household pet” is defined as domesticated animals kept in the home for pleasure (e.g., dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle) and not for commercial purposes.
  5. Expenses for physical examinations and materials used to obtain evidence.
  6. Other reasonable expenses deemed necessary as a direct result of the criminal incident.
  • The bill clarifies that, except where otherwise provided, the definition does not cover property damage or pain and suffering.

Who/what is affected

  • Crime victims seeking financial assistance through PA’s Victims’ Services program.
  • The Office of Victims’ Services (OVS), which would set the reimbursement rate for these out-of-pocket losses.
  • Service providers and administrators who process and approve claims for victims’ reimbursements (e.g., medical providers, counselors, law enforcement, human services, and victim advocates).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: 60 days after enactment.
  • Revisions are located in Section 103 of the Crime Victims Act, specifically updating the definitions to include the enumerated categories and the reimbursement framework.

Additional context

  • The bill is sponsored by multiple senators and introduced June 5, 2026, and referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration.
  • The bill text indicates a focus on enumerating recoverable costs and aligning them with administrative rules set by the Office of Victims’ Services.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law’s definition of “out-of-pocket loss” or outline potential fiscal implications based on typical claims volumes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.