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LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 120

CHAPTER 120

(Senate Bill 639)

AN ACT concerning

Criminal Injuries Compensation Act

FOR the purpose of providing that certain individuals who are
victims of a federal crime committed in this State may
receive compensation under the Criminal Injuries
Compensation Act under certain conditions; clarifying that
compensation is awarded for psychological injuries as well
as physical injuries; clarifying that compensation may be
awarded for funeral expenses and lost wages mental health
counseling; authorizing the Criminal Injuries Compensation
Board to waive the ineligibility of certain family members
to receive compensation under certain conditions; providing
for reassignment of cases by the chairman; making certain
technical stylistic changes; generally relating to the
Criminal Injuries Compensation Act; and providing for the
effective date and applicability of this Act.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 26A - Criminal Injuries Compensation Act

Section 1, 2, 5, 7, 8(a), and 12(a)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1981 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 26A - Criminal Injuries Compensation Act

The legislature recognizes that many innocent persons suffer
personal physical injury, PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY, or death as a
result of criminal acts or in their efforts to prevent crime or
apprehend persons committing or attempting to commit crimes.
Such persons or their dependents may thereby suffer disability,

incur financial hardships or became dependent upon public

assistance. The legislature finds and determines that there is a
need for government financial assistance for such victims of

crime. Accordingly, it is the legislature's intent that aid,

care and support be provided by the State, as a matter of moral
responsibility, for such victims of crime.

2.

For the purpose of this article: