HB 1968: Victims of crime; compensation, extends time for filing a claim.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Compensating victims of crime. Extends, for the purpose of compensating victims of crime, the time for filing a claim by the claimant to not later than three years after the occurrence of the crime upon which such claim is based, or not later than three years after the death of the victim. Under current law, such time frame is not later than one year after either instance. The bill removes the prohibition on the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (the Commission) making an award where the police records show that a crime was reported more than 120 hours after the occurrence of the crime unless the Commission, for good cause shown, finds the delay to have been justified. Also, the bill requires the Commission, in determining if a report was promptly reported to the proper authorities, to consider (i) any police records; (ii) the victim's physical, emotional, mental, and family situation; and (iii) the existence of a permanent protective order, issued pursuant to relevant law, for the victim or other persons eligible for awards from the person responsible for the qualifying crime. The bill also removes the ability of the Commission to deny, reduce, or withdraw any award upon finding that any claimant or award recipient has not fully cooperated with all law-enforcement agencies, unless the law-enforcement agency certifies that the claimant or award recipient was willing but unable to cooperate due to a good faith belief that such cooperation would have endangered such claimant or award recipient and such claimant or award recipient was not provided with any victim or witness protection services when such protection services were requested by a law-enforcement agency. This bill is identical to SB 1200.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 21, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0225)
2. March 21, 2025Approved by Governor-Chapter 225 (Effective 07/01/25)
3. March 12, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1968)
4. March 11, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
5. March 11, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 11, 2025
6. March 10, 2025Signed by President
7. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker
8. March 7, 2025Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1968ER)
9. March 7, 2025Enrolled
10. February 22, 2025Conference report agreed to by House (98-Y 0-N)
11. February 21, 2025Conference report agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N)
12. February 21, 2025Amended by conference committee

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history