AZ HB2097

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 41-2407 regarding the victim compensation and assistance fund administered by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission.

Expands eligible compensation to include Native American ceremony or burial expenses considered as reasonable and customary funeral expenses.

Adds mental health counseling and care provided by tribal health care organizations, Indian Health Services, Veterans Administration providers, or urban Indian health programs as eligible costs for victim compensation claims.

Prohibits licensed health care providers from debt collection activities once notified that a person has filed a victim compensation claim, until an award is made or the claim is determined noncompensable.

Allows health care providers to collect unpaid balances from victims or third-party payers only if the victim compensation program lacks funds to pay the full allowable amount.