Gov. Kelly signs bill increasing victim compensation

TOPEKA (KSNT) - On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly signed a bill increasing compensation, services and support for crime victims.

House Bill 2781 will increase funding for the Crime Victims Assistance Fund and double compensation to victims. Victims will see weekly compensation increase from $400 to $800, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor.

“Increasing compensation for crime victims will allow survivors greater access to the resources they need to overcome trauma,” Kelly said. “Thanks to this bill, survivors of crime will be better supported to receive the care they need to achieve stability and independence.”

The Crime Victims Compensation Board will now be able to provide mental health counseling and will have extra flexibility in awarding compensation to victims.

"We have an obligation to assist victims as they recover," said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. "This new law doesn’t erase their trauma, but being able to provide more and better financial assistance to crime victims helps restore a piece of their lives."

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