AB 1939: Crime victims: compensation: relocation costs: pets.

Existing law generally provides for the compensation of victims and derivative victims of specified types of crimes by the California Victim Compensation Board from the Restitution Fund, a continuously appropriated fund, for specified losses suffered as a result of those crimes. Existing law sets forth eligibility requirements and limits on the amount of compensation the board may award.

Existing law authorizes the board to grant a victim, for pecuniary loss, a cash payment or reimbursement not exceeding $2,000 for expenses incurred in relocating, if the expenses are determined necessary for the victims personal safety or emotional well-being, as specified.

This bill would authorize expenses incurred in relocating, as described above, to include the costs of temporary housing for the victims pets, as specified. By expanding the authorization for use of continuously appropriated funds, the bill would make an appropriation.

This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 13957 of the Government Code proposed by AB 900, AB 1865, and SB 1005 to be operative only if this bill and any or all of those bills are enacted and this bill is enacted last.