Victims of Crime Act of 1981

Summary

Victims of Crime Act of 1981 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crimes. Provides that such grants shall total: (1) 25 to 35 percent (depending on the program's starting date) of allowable compensation; and (2) 100 percent of allowable compensation to victims of crimes which would constitute designated crimes but are subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Establishes a nine-member Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies criteria for a State plan to qualify for grants, including that the program: (1) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths result from qualifying crimes; (2) grant claimants the right to a hearing; (3) condition compensation on cooperation with law enforcement officials; (4) not require claimants to seek welfare benefits; (5) deny or reduce recovery where the claimant contributed to the injury; (6) not require apprehension or conviction of the offender; and (7) provide compensation for property loss to victims aged 65 years or older. Requires that the State: (1) inform victims of the compensation program; (2) have a law or rule subrogating the State to any claim the claimant has against the perpetrator of the crime; and (3) have a law or rule authorizing payment of restitution to the victim by the perpetrator when determining the amount of the authorized grant, including any amount of an award exceeding $50,000 per victim and lost earnings compensation exceeding $200 per week. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to the congressional judiciary committees on each qualifying State program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out this Act. Enumerates expenses which shall be excluded from a State's program costs.

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1 official file

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 4 March 1981

  Open at official source

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