Committee updates victim compensation statute to enumerate additional qualifying crimes
Summary
The committee advanced HB 206 to explicitly add assault, battery, criminal sexual contact and armed robbery to the list of crimes eligible for Crime Victims Reparation Act compensation, codifying practices already used and improving federal reimbursement prospects.
Representative Travis presented House Bill 206, which amends the Crime Victims Reparation Act to explicitly enumerate additional qualifying crimes — including assault, battery, criminal sexual contact (including of a minor) and robbery while armed with a deadly weapon — so that victims can access statutory compensation for medical costs, lost wages, counseling and funeral expenses.
Frank Zubia, director of the Crime Victims Reparation Commission, told the committee the commission has been providing assistance for these offenses through emergency assistance funds and policy interpretations, but codifying the crimes in statute improves clarity and can increase federal reimbursement (the sponsor said enumerated crimes may draw about 75¢ on the dollar in federal reimbursement rather than rely on emergency funds).
Advocates including the ACLU, NM Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, NM State Police and the District Attorneys Association supported the bill, noting it aligns statute with operational practice and eases access for victims. The commission testified the program can implement the change using existing staff and currently manages similar claims through a combination of state and federal victim‑assistance funds.
On a voice/roll-call vote the committee moved HB206 out with a 9–0 tally.
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