WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 969

CRIMINAL/VICTIMS: Provides relative to compensation for victims of criminal offenses (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Wiley

Expands and restructures victim compensation by creating a Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund and Board to broaden eligible losses, raise awards, and standardize reimbursements for c

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 969

Summary of HB 969 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

This bill focuses on compensating victims of criminal offenses through restructuring, clarifying, and expanding the Crime Victims Reparations program, now referred to as the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund. It reorganizes the framework, broadens definitions, adjusts eligibility, and tightens procedural rules for awards and administration.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Provide a comprehensive framework for compensating victims (and dependents) of crimes through the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund.
  • Replace terminology from “Crime Victims Reparations Fund” to “Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund” and update related board names and references.
  • Place the compensation board under the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice.
  • Expand the scope of crimes and eligible losses, with particular emphasis on health care costs related to sexually oriented offenses and related forensic examinations.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Definitions and scope (Chapter 21, Title 46):

    • Replaces “reparations” with “compensation” and renames the board accordingly.
    • Establishes broad definitions for victims, dependents, collateral sources, pecuniary loss, and related terms (e.g., forensic medical examinations, sexual offenses, human trafficking-related offenses, and relocation needs).
    • Defines collateral sources (other reimbursements that reduce the net loss, such as insurance, restitution, Social Security, etc.).
    • Expands who can be a claimant (victims, dependents, intervenors, legal representatives, and those who pay for expenses due to the crime).

  • Compensation Fund administration and governance:

    • Creates the Crime Victims’ Compensation Board under the governor’s office, with nine gubernatorial appointees plus representation from a victims’ rights advocacy organization and district diversity requirements.
    • Board duties include handling applications, determining eligibility, awarding amounts, establishing rules, maintaining confidentiality, and coordinating with the state library of resources (web listings for victim compensation programs, etc.).

  • Eligibility and applications:

    • Victims or their representatives may apply for reparations (now compensation) for pecuniary losses due to crime, including medical, funeral, relocation, loss of earnings, crime scene cleanup, and related costs.
    • Applicants must provide documentation (police reports, court records, medical/coroner certifications, etc.). Some documentation may be submitted privately with confidentiality protections.

  • Award criteria and limitations:

    • Awards are based on pecuniary loss caused by qualifying crimes; collateral sources must be considered and reductions may apply if loss is recovered elsewhere.
    • Caps: aggregate awards are limited to $15,000 per crime, or $25,000 if victim has permanent total disability. Annual parish-level caps exist to ensure fiscal feasibility unless hardship is shown.
    • The board may award emergency or installment payments and deduct collateral sources from awards.
    • Provisions allow denial or reduction if the victim bears responsibility for the crime, or if the offender/family benefits unduly. Exceptions apply for trafficking or sexually oriented offenses.

  • Interplay with restitution and civil actions:

    • If restitution is collected as part of parole or court orders, funds may be directed to the Compensation Fund.
    • Victims retain the right to pursue civil actions; monies recovered in civil actions may be deposited to the Fund or used to supplement awards if applicable.
    • The Attorney General can pursue recovery of reparations through civil action against offenders, with recovered funds credited to the Fund.

  • Health care and forensic examination costs:

    • Reaffirms reimbursement for healthcare costs and forensic medical examinations linked to sexually oriented offenses, with specific rules on claims and provider reimbursements.

  • Privacy and confidentiality:

    • Special protections for sensitive information (e.g., names), with some records treated as confidential investigative materials.

  • Administrative and fiscal provisions:

    • Establishes fund management, investment, and monthly transfer requirements.
    • Clarifies interagency cooperation and cost controls, including provisions for using unclaimed prize money to fund program costs (with explicit use for health care services related to sexually oriented offenses).

3) Who/What is Affected

  • Victims and dependents of crimes enumerated in the statute.
  • Healthcare providers and facilities involved in forensic examinations or treatment related to crimes, especially sexually oriented offenses.
  • Law enforcement agencies, courts, sheriffs, and prosecutors administering restitution or wiring funds.
  • The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice (and the Governor’s Office for oversight).
  • The Crime Victims’ Compensation Board (new board structure and governance).
  • Parishes and communities affected by annual caps on aggregate awards.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Applications:

    • Generally must be filed within one year for sexually oriented offenses; other timelines allow up to one year after injury/death unless the board extends for circumstances.
    • For homicide-related cases, five-year windows apply after conviction becomes final (or after offender’s death if death occurs before conviction).
    • Documentation requirements specified (police reports, court records, medical attestations, etc.).

  • Hearings:

    • The board may hold public hearings if needed; open hearings with opportunities for testimony and cross-examination.

  • Decisions and Appeals:

    • The board issues written decisions; decisions are subject to review under existing Chapter 13 procedures (Louisiana Administrative Law processes).

  • Enforcement and recovery:

    • Civil recovery options for the Attorney General; funds recovered can augment the Fund, with rules governing distribution and repayment where applicable.

  • Effective date:

    • As a House bill in the 2026 session, the act would take effect according to standard Louisiana enactment and potential delayed operative dates (not specified in the excerpt).

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law to highlight precise changes and potential fiscal impact estimates.

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

Sign in to ask a question.