The Delaware House unanimously passed a set of sweeping reforms to the state’s Violent Crimes Compensation Board June 25, but not before attaching an amendment that balances power between the board and agency staff.
Under the original House Bill 253, the board’s staff would be charged with awarding compensation and the board would exist solely to consider appeals. Currently, all awards are made with the board’s consent.
The amendment, introduced by bill sponsor Rep. John A. Kowalko, D-Newark, says agency staff must contact a board member before making an emergency award or for any awards in excess of $12,500.
The board, which the bill would rename the Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program, distributes money to victims of violent crimes for lost wages, medical bills and other expenses incurred as a result of a crime.
Other major changes in the bill would bring the agency under the umbrella of the Department of Justice and reduce pay for board members from $10,000 each to $100 per meeting.
Earlier this month the General Assembly’s Joint Sunset Committee recommended the changes after an investigation into the board’s procedures found that it was not operating efficiently. The board had not undergone such a review since it was created in the early 1970s.
Victims rights advocates across the state also criticized the board and said its outdated paper-based recordkeeping system created significant headaches and inconveniences for those suffering through traumatic life events.
Kowalko, who sits on the Sunset Committee, said the changes are meant to be constructive and not as a slight to the board or its members.
“This bill is not an indictment or a criticism of the current board,” he said. “Restructuring was never intended to be misconstrued as an indictment.”
Current board member V. Lynn Gregory said she agrees the reforms are in good faith.
“We’re very supportive of the changes,” she said. “It allows us to do more.”
Another amendment that would have restricted out-of-state travel for board members to one trip per year did not pass.
Rep. Nick Manolakos, R-Limestone Hills, said he wanted to limit the number of professional development conferences the board could attend on the state’s dime, but other representatives said the amendment was unnecessary because state departments already operate under strict travel rules.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration, but its future there is uncertain.
Sen. David Sokola, D-Newark, who chairs the Sunset Committee, filed a version of HB 253 in the Senate June 4, but it was assigned to an unfriendly committee, where it is likely to stay until the session ends.
In response, Kowalko introduced the bill in his chamber and fast-tracked it through the House Sunset Committee, which he chairs.
Email Doug Denison at doug.denison@doverpost.com.
