DE HB182

Expands the definition of "crime" to include human trafficking, domestic violence, and operation of a vehicle causing serious physical injury to vulnerable users, plus acts that are characteristics of these offenses rather than requiring specific statutory violations.

Restructures the claims process by adding a reconsideration step before Appeals Board review; claimants have 30 days to request reconsideration, then 30 additional days to appeal to the Appeals Board, with final appeals to Superior Court based on the Appeals Board record.

Clarifies and expands "pecuniary loss" to include 21 specific categories of compensable expenses (items a-u), with secondary victims limited to mental health counseling and essential personal safety property, and homicide claimants limited to specific categories including funeral/burial expenses and loss of support.

Allows reopening of cases for mental health counseling claims when specific triggering events occur (new investigation, judicial proceedings, offender release, or death penalty), even after the standard 2-year reopening limit.

Changes terminology from "victim" and "incompetent" to "claimant" and "person who is incapacitated" throughout, and updates the Advisory Council membership to include the Executive Director of the Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence.