Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

HF 751 changes how criminal case fines are distributed in Iowa. Instead of sending 9% of fines to county general funds, 8% will go to counties, 85% to the state court administrator, and 7% to a new victim restitution fund. This fund, managed by the Department of Justice, will pay for out-of-pocket costs victims incur due to crimes (like medical bills) and provide at least $150,000 to victims' families in death cases. Unspent funds in the restitution account will carry over to the next fiscal year instead of reverting to general funds.

This bill redirects 7% of criminal fines collected in Iowa counties to a new victim restitution fund, instead of the current 9% going to county general funds. The fund, administered by the Department of Justice, will pay restitution for victims' financial losses (like medical costs or lost wages) and wrongful death expenses (including up to $150,000 under specific law). It ensures unused funds in the restitution account carry over annually rather than reverting to general state funds. The change affects all victims of crimes where fines are collected, directly supporting their financial recovery through dedicated state resources.

This bill modifies how criminal case fines collected within a county are distributed, reducing the percentages allocated to the state court administrator and county treasurer. It establishes a new "victim restitution fund" in the state treasury, which will receive 7% of these collected fines. The fund is dedicated to providing restitution for crime victims, covering "pecuniary damages" and restitution for the death of a victim, as defined by existing law. Monies in this fund will remain available for expenditure year-to-year and will not revert at the close of a fiscal year.