SB 870 - Victim Compensation Act Summary

• Expands definition of "victim" to include persons threatened with physical injury or death, witnesses to domestic terrorism, and victims of domestic terrorism, in addition to those injured or killed by crimes

• Broadens compensable injuries to include "emotional harm" (mental or emotional impairment directly attributable to threat of serious physical injury or death requiring treatment) and redefines "injury" to include both physical injury and emotional harm

• Increases maximum compensation limits from $15,000 to $15,000 for general victims and $25,000 for dependents of homicide victims; allows Office of Victim Services to exceed these limits for compelling equitable circumstances

• Adds new categories of eligible recipients for victim services including victims of domestic terrorism, witnesses to domestic terrorism, and children witnessing homicides resulting from domestic violence

• Makes compensation available for crimes involving international terrorism and domestic terrorism (as defined in section 53a-300), with eligibility requirements for sexual abuse cases allowing victims to apply without strict reporting deadlines if disclosed to qualified professionals