HI HB437

Expands Hawaii's crime victim compensation program to include mental health services for surviving relatives of deceased crime victims, with victim compensation retaining priority.

Authorizes compensation for mental health services for relatives of deceased victims, witnesses to mass casualty incidents, and individuals engaged in business or educational activities at mass casualty scenes.

Adds mental health services compensation for child witnesses in cases of domestic abuse under section 709-906, with victim compensation given priority over witness compensation.

Specifies that compensation for mental health services shall cover expenses actually and reasonably incurred by eligible recipients in mass casualty cases, cases involving victim death, and domestic abuse cases.

Takes effect upon approval with amendments to Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 351-31 and 351-33 governing crime victim compensation awards.