Victims of crime: compensation.

(1) Existing law provides for the compensation of victims and derivative victims of specified types of crimes by the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims 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 specified limits on the amount of compensation the board may award. This bill would increase from one year to 3 years the time period in which crime victims may file an application for compensation. The bill would modify the authorization for the board to extend that time period for good cause, as specified. By extending the application of provisions authorizing certain uses of continuously appropriated funds, this bill would make an appropriation. (2) Existing law requires the board to develop procedures, as specified, on matters within its jurisdiction and authorizes the board to recognize an authorized representative of the victim or derivative victim. This bill would include within the meaning of the term "authorized representative" a county social worker designated by a county department of social services to represent a child abuse or elder abuse victim if that victim is unable to file on his or her own behalf. This bill would also repeal a requirement for the board to develop a simplified and expedited procedure for paying claims to a qualified provider of mental health services. (3) Existing law authorizes the board to establish maximum rates and service limitations for reimbursement of specified services and defines certain terms for purposes of the claim payment process. The bill would provide that any reduction in maximum rates or service limitations shall not affect payment or reimbursement of losses incurred prior to 3 months after the adoption of any changes. The bill would prohibit a provider from charging the victim or derivative victim for any difference between the cost of a service, as specified, and the program's payment for that service.