KRS 49.300: Powers and duties of Crime Victims Compensation Board.

In addition to the powers and authority outlined in KRS 49.020, the Crime Victims

Compensation Board has the power and duty to:

(1) Promulgate, amend, and repeal suitable administrativ e regulations to carry out the

provisions and purposes of KRS 49.270 to 49.490, including administrative

regulations for the approval of attorney's fees for representation before the board or

upon judicial review;

(2) Hear and determine all matters relatin g to claims for compensation, and the power

to reinvestigate or reopen claims without regard to statutes of limitations;

(3) Request from prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement officers investigations and

data to enable the board to determine whether, a nd the extent to which, a claimant

qualifies for compensation. The statute providing confidentiality for juvenile

session of District Court records does not apply to proceedings under KRS 49.270

to 49.490;

(4) Hold hearings in accordance with the provision s of KRS Chapter 13B. The powers

provided in this subsection may be delegated by the board to any member or

employee thereof. If necessary to carry out any of its powers and duties, the board

may petition any Circuit Court for an order;

(5) Upon the filing of an application by a claimant, negotiate binding fee settlements

with the providers of services to claimants that may be eligible for an award under

KRS 49.370(2);

(6) Make available for public inspection all board decisions and opinions,

administrative regulations, written statements of policy, and interpretations

formulated, promulgated, or used by it in discharging its functions. Materials made

available pursuant to this subsection shall be edited to remove personal identifying

information of any vict im. Materials made available pursuant to this subsection

after July 15, 2024, shall be made available on the board's website;

(7) Publicize widely the availability of reparations, the availability of emergency

awards, and information regarding the claims therefor;

(8) Make an annual report, by January 1 of each year, of its activities for the preceding

fiscal year to the Office of the State Budget Director and to the Legislative

Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations

and Revenue. Each annual report shall set forth a complete operating and financial

statement covering its operations during the year;

(9) Create an electronic application process on its website, with explanatory materials

and easily understood forms;

(10) Notify all applicants of their right to counsel;

(11) Ensure that its forms and published materials are clear, easily understandable, and

available in a variety of formats and languages to maximize the accessibility of the

compensation process;

(12) By August 1, 2025, create and implement a tracking process for claims filed with

the board. The tracking process shall include a public portal allowing victims to

access the system; and

(13) By August 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, report to the Governor and to the

Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on

Judiciary the number and percentage of cases in which the timeframes established

in KRS 49.340(2) and 49.360(3) were not met.