PA SB896

Amends Pennsylvania's Crime Victims Act to allow victims to satisfy the crime reporting requirement through alternative documentation instead of police reports, including protection from abuse orders, sexual violence protection orders, medical records, sexual assault forensic examinations, or health care provider certifications

Changes the investigation requirement from mandatory ("shall") to permissive ("may") for examining police, court, and official records when valid supporting documentation is provided under the new provisions

Removes the requirement that victims cooperate with "all law enforcement agencies," requiring cooperation only with the Office of Victims' Services; the Office must provide information encouraging (but not mandating) law enforcement cooperation

Increases the maximum award for crime scene cleaning costs from $500 to $1,500 for private residences or vehicles

Prohibits debt collection activities by hospitals, health care providers, funeral services, and crime scene cleanup vendors against claimants while compensation claims are pending, until payment is issued or 45 days after a denial decision