Under the emergency fund for victims, increases the share of a victim’s total award that may be used for relocation related expenses but not increase total compensation available to a victim.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Emergency Fund for Crime Victims – Relocation Expenses

This bill makes a change to Rhode Island's existing emergency fund for crime victims, which provides financial assistance to people who have been harmed by violent crimes. Specifically, it would allow a larger portion of a victim's total compensation award to be used for relocation-related costs — such as moving expenses if a victim needs to leave their home for safety reasons. Importantly, the bill does not increase the overall maximum amount of money a victim can receive; it simply gives victims more flexibility in how their existing award money can be spent.

Under the current rules, there is a limit on how much of a victim's total award can go toward relocation expenses. This bill would raise that limit, recognizing that moving costs can be a significant and urgent need for victims — particularly in cases involving domestic violence, stalking, or other situations where staying in their current home could put them at continued risk.

This bill directly affects crime victims in Rhode Island who apply for compensation through the state's criminal injuries compensation program. It gives them greater access to funds for relocation without changing the total payout available. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, where lawmakers will review its potential budgetary impact before deciding whether to move it forward.