Assigned to JUD FOR COMMITTEE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2061

victim compensation; unclaimed property

Purpose

Directs the Arizona Department of Revenue (DOR) to deposit unclaimed victim restitution funds into the victim compensation and assistance fund.

Background

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission is responsible for the administration of the victim compensation and assistance fund. Currently, the victim compensation fund consists of monies collected from assessments of working prisoners’ compensation as well as community supervision fees.

A court may order a criminal defendant to pay restitution to the crime victim. The defendant pays the restitution to the court, which in turn distributes the monies to the victim. If the court is unable to locate the victim and the victim’s restitution monies go unclaimed for five years, the monies are transmitted to DOR. These unclaimed monies are then distributed among various funds, including the state general fund.

The fiscal impact on the state general fund is undetermined at this time. However, last year Maricopa County forwarded $148,020 to DOR and Pima County forwarded $5,595.

Provisions

1. Requires DOR to deposit unclaimed victim restitution monies into the victim compensation and assistance fund for the purpose of establishing, maintaining and supporting programs that compensate and assist victims of crime.

2. Makes conforming and technical changes.

3. Applies retroactively to July 18, 2000.

House Action

JUD 1/16/01 DP 9-0-0-1-0 1/16/01 DP 9-0-0-1-0

3^rd Read 1/24/01 59-0-1-0

Prepared by Senate Staff

February 23, 2001