Compensation for victims' attorney fees: Marsy's Law.

The California Constitution, as amended by Proposition 9, the Victims' Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy's Law, at the November 4, 2008, statewide general election, entitles the victim of a crime to specified rights, including to be heard, upon request, at any proceeding at which a right of the victim is at issue. Marsy's Law authorizes the victim, the retained attorney of the victim, a lawful representative of the victim, or the prosecuting attorney, upon request of the victim, to enforce the prescribed rights. Existing law provides for the compensation of victims of certain 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 authorizes compensation for various forms of pecuniary loss, including medical or medical-related expenses and installing or increasing residential security. This bill would authorize the board to reimburse a victim for up to $2,500 in attorney fees that are provided to the victim to preserve crime victim's rights under Marsy's Law. By expanding the authorization for the use of moneys in the continuously appropriated Restitution Fund, this bill would make an appropriation.