Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

SB 222 increases penalties for extortion and sexual extortion by making it a Class B felony if the crime directly causes the victim's death. It also expands victim compensation, allowing family members or household members of victims of specific violent crimes (including certain sexual offenses) to claim economic losses from the victim's death. The bill modifies existing statutes to clarify eligibility for these compensation awards, which cover losses like funeral costs or lost wages. These changes directly affect victims of extortion-related deaths and their families seeking financial support.