Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Increasing Compensation for Crime Victims

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly today signed House Bill 2781, increasing compensation, services, and support for victims of crimes.

“Increasing compensation for crime victims will allow survivors greater access to the resources they need to overcome trauma,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to this bill, survivors of crime will be better supported to receive the care they need to achieve stability and independence.”

House Bill 2781 increases annual funding for the Crime Victims Assistance Fund and doubles the maximum weekly compensation available to victims, increasing the weekly cap from $400 to $800.

“We have an obligation to assist victims as they recover,” said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. “This new law doesn’t erase their trauma, but being able to provide more and better financial assistance to crime victims helps restore a piece of their lives.”

Additionally, the bill will allow the Crime Victims Compensation Board to expand compensation beyond mental health counseling for certain victims and provides the Crime Victims Compensation Board increased flexibility to award compensation if they determine that denying a victim compensation would be a severe injustice.