New Kansas law doubles funding for crime victims and requires disclosure of information about child deaths

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly and Attorney General Kris Kobach celebrated doubling the maximum weekly compensation for crime victims in Kansas and giving state committee members responsible for reviewing aid applications greater latitude in awarding compensation based on the goal of addressing deep injustice to avoid.

The legislation endorsed by Kobach and signed by Kelly would increase the authorized level of statewide funding for crime victims from the current $300,000 per year to $500,000 per year. The bill, passed unanimously by lawmakers, capped the maximum individual payout at $25,000.

Kelly said House Bill 2781 would allow the Crime Victims Assistance Fund to increase individual awards to $800 per week and would make it more likely that crime survivors would have access to the services they need to overcome trauma need. Rewards for human trafficking victims would range from $350 to $800 per week.

“Thanks to this law, crime survivors will be better supported and receive the care they need to achieve stability and independence,” the governor said.

The state review board would have the authority to reduce or eliminate financial assistance if the victim or applicant does not fully cooperate with law enforcement.

Awards would occur if criminal conduct resulting in injury or death is reported to a law enforcement official within 72 hours of the incident, the victim undergoes a forensic medical examination within seven days of the crime, or if the state agency makes a reasonable determination The reason for this is determined by the person who does not comply with these time requirements.

For some sexually violent crimes, applications are considered valid if they are submitted within two years of the incident being reported to law enforcement. In cases where DNA testing revealed a suspect's profile, compensation could be awarded to victims based on claims filed up to ten years after a crime was committed.

“We have an obligation to help the victims recover,” Kobach said. “This new law does not erase their trauma, but the ability to provide more and better financial support to crime victims will help restore some of their lives.”

Michelle McCormick, executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, said the attorney general, Legislature and governor have collectively recognized that victims of violent crime in Kansas deserve greater support in navigating recovery.

“Crime victims fought against an outdated law that in some areas had not been revised since the 1990s,” said Rep. Dan Osman, D-Overland Park. “We have addressed this issue holistically, using a trauma-informed approach that puts victims and survivors first.”

Meanwhile, Kelly said Friday she signed House Bill 2628, which requires the Kansas Department for Children and Families to release information about child deaths when criminal complaints have been filed and the minor was involved in the state's child welfare system.

She also signed House Bill 2703, which requires public school students in DCF's care to be identified as academically at risk to ensure they are eligible for special education programs and services.

Kelly also signed House Bill 2453 to allow Kansas to participate in a dentist and dental hygienist compact with other states to create additional job opportunities in Kansas. She signed a bill allowing Kansas to participate in an interstate compact for social workers to expand access to mental health care and simplify licensing processes.