Across the country, victims are using their stories to advocate for changes to state victim compensation programs, where thousands of crime survivors turn for help with medical bills, relocation, funerals or other expenses.
Every state has a program to reimburse victims for lost wages, medical bills, funerals and other expenses. But an Associated Press examination found that Black victims and their families are disproportionately denied compensation in many states.
House Enrolled Act 1292, authored by Rep. Sharon Negele, R-Attica, and signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on March 11, aims to provide better relief to victims of violent crime. Starting July 1, HEA 1292 will modify the laws concerning compensation to victims of violent crimes in Indiana, expanding the list of eligible expenses for compensation and the definition of a claimant.