MA S1055

Transfers administration of the victim compensation program (Chapter 258C) from the Attorney General's office to the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, operating under the Victim and Witness Assistance Board

Grants the executive director authority to appoint staff, promulgate regulations, and apply for funds to be deposited in the victim compensation fund maintained by the treasurer

Establishes confidentiality protections for all records and information related to crime victim compensation claims, with exceptions for claim processing, court-ordered disclosure, or written consent from claimants

Requires the director to notify claimants of compensation decisions within 15 days of completing claims review, including reasons for denial and information about judicial review rights

Updates statutory language throughout Chapter 258C to use gender-neutral terms and takes effect 180 days after passage