DE HB253

Renames the Violent Crimes Compensation Board to the Victims' Compensation Assistance Program and transfers it from the Administrative Office of the Courts to the Department of Justice effective July 1, 2009.

Establishes an 11-member Advisory Council including Attorney General, victim advocacy representatives, medical/mental health professionals, and public members appointed by the Governor to serve 3-year terms.

Creates a 5-member Appeals Board (confirmed by Senate) to hear victim compensation appeals, replacing the current Board's initial decision-making role with a new streamlined process where staff make initial awards.

Expands eligible crimes to include driving under the influence, hit-and-run, domestic violence, acts of terrorism, and crimes committed outside Delaware by Delaware residents, plus child sexual abuse claims with no statute of limitations.

Increases maximum compensation from current amounts to $25,000 per victim (or $50,000 for permanently disabled victims), adds specific covered expenses including crime scene cleanup ($1,000), temporary housing ($1,500), child care, and forensic sexual assault examinations paid directly to providers.