SENATE BILL NO. 266 "An Act relating to emergency compensation from the Violent Crimes Compensation Board." 10:13:43 AM Senator Thomas, sponsor, read the sponsor statement: Senate Bill 266 proposes to increase the limit that victims of violent crimes can receive in emergency compensation from $1,500 to $3,500. This limit for emergency compensation has not been increased since 1975. Emergency compensation can only be awarded for relocation, verifiable lost wages and counseling for families and victims whose safety and well being are at risk. The reason for this increase is that the costs for these emergency expenses have increased substantially over the years, and $1,500 is not sufficient to cover deposits, first and last month rents, especially when a family or dependents are involved, travel for relocation and other associated expenses. Emergency awards are necessary as the Board only meets five times per year, and it may be 2-3 months before a claim is considered. The victim compensation fund receives approximately 70% of its appropriations from the state in the form of felon's withheld Permanent Fund Dividends and 30% from a federal grant. This money does not lapse once placed in the fund. Emergency compensation is considered part of the maximum award and is deducted from the final award given to the victim, any excess award must be repaid to the fund. This bill does not increase the overall cap of $40,000 that can awarded to a victim. Senate Bill 266 carries a zero fiscal note because it does not increase the final award. I urge you to join me in assisting Alaska's victims of violent crimes when their need is greatest, and support Senate Bill 266. I have attached a sheet titled "Violent Crimes Compensation Board: Emergency Compensation" which contains some facts and figures and amounts of awards as well as some of the details of those awards, and several other documents explaining facts and demographics of violent crimes victims. My staff, Grier Hopkins, and Kate Hudson, administrator for the Violent Crimes Compensation Board are available for questions. Also, Jared Godfrey, Chair of the Board, is on the phone to make a short statement and answer any questions. Co-Chair Stedman noted one zero fiscal note by the Department of Administration. 10:16:30 AM GERALD GODFREY, CHAIR, VIOLENT CRIMES COMPENSATION BOARD (VCCB), testified via teleconference. He spoke in favor of the bill. He related the history of the cap. The initial amount when the board was created in 1972 was at $500. In 1975 it was adjusted upward to $1,500 and has not been adjusted since. If adjusted for inflation, the amount would be over $6,000 now. Mr. Godfrey shared statistics about the hardships suffered by victims of violent crimes. He gave an example of awards given for lost wages, counseling, and relocation. He shared an example of a domestic violence victim. 10:20:30 AM KATE HUDSON, ADMINISTRATOR, VIOLENT CRIMES COMPENSATION BOARD, stated support for the bill. 10:21:15 AM Senator Olson asked how often the fund has been depleted due to the increased number of violent crimes or from inflation. Ms. Hudson said the board has not yet run out of money. Senator Olson asked if money would be short if the cap is increased. Ms. Hudson said it would not be a concern because the cap is not being increased. 10:22:57 AM SB 266 was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration.