CA AB1629

Authorizes the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board to reimburse crime victims and derivative victims for outpatient violence peer counseling expenses, in addition to existing mental health counseling reimbursement.

Sets reimbursement limits at $10,000 for victims and certain derivative victims (surviving family members or primary caretakers of minor victims), and $5,000 for other derivative victims and minors who witnessed violent crimes.

Defines "violence peer counselor" as a counselor employed by a service organization for victims of violent crime who has at least six months of peer support experience, 40 hours of specialized training on trauma and violence, and is supervised by a licensed mental health professional.

Establishes that violence peer counseling services must be provided by a nongovernmental organization whose primary mission is serving victims of violent crime.

Sunsets on January 1, 2017, unless extended by later-enacted legislation.