Ala. Code § 15-23-5

Current through the 2024 Regular Session.

Section 15-23-5 - Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission - Powers and duties

The commission shall have all the powers and privileges of a corporation and all of its business shall be transacted in the name of the commission. In addition to any other powers and duties specified elsewhere in this article, the commission may do any of the following:

(1) Regulate its own procedures except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(2) Define any term not defined in this article.

(3) Prescribe forms necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.

(4) Obtain access to investigative reports made by law enforcement officers or law enforcement agencies which may be necessary to assist the commission in making a determination of eligibility for compensation under this article; provided, however, the reports and the information contained herein, when received by the commission, shall be confidential and under no circumstances may the commission disclose the same except to a grand jury.

(5) Take judicial notice of general, technical, and scientific facts within their specialized knowledge.

(6) Publicize the availability of compensation and information regarding the filing of claims .

(7) Collect all monies provided by this article to be collected by the commission.

(8) Provide for and maintain all necessary administrative facilities and personnel.

(9) Provide for payment of all administrative salaries, fees, and expenses.

(10) Cause its monies to be invested and its investments sold or exchanged and the proceeds and income collected.

(11) Determine who is a victim or dependent.

(12) Consider all applications for compensation or other benefits provided for in this article.

(13)

a. Authorize the executive director to determine eligibility for all applications for compensation and authorize payment for approved and reduced claims.

b. The commission shall review all contested cases pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act. The commission may affirm, reverse, or modify the executive director's claims decisions.

(14) Adopt rules to expedite the administration of the affairs of the commission not inconsistent with this article.

(15) Provide descriptive literature and promotional items respecting the commission and its duties.

(16) Pay all compensation or other benefits that may be determined to be due under this article and under the rules of the commission.

(17) Employ agents, attorneys, actuaries, and other specialized personnel as needed by the commission .

(18) Receive by gift, grant, devise, or bequest any monies or properties of any nature or description.

(19) Accept and administer loans, grants, and donations from the federal government, its agencies, and all other sources, public and private, for carrying out any of its functions.

(20) Develop a comprehensive analysis of the problems regarding victims of crime within the criminal justice system or systems of this state and formulate model programs, plans, or methods for lessening the physical, mental, or financial burdens placed on innocent crime victims by the operation of the criminal justice system both on the state and local level.

(21) Identify laws, rules, or regulations proposed or adopted by any agency or institution of this state or any political subdivision thereof which have or will have a significant adverse or beneficial impact upon crime victims and to advocate the adoption, repeal, or modification thereof in the interest of innocent victims of crime.

(22) Collect, develop, and maintain statistical information, records, and reports to carry out its powers, duties, or functions pursuant to this article. All agencies and institutions of this state or the political subdivisions thereof , upon a written request by the commission, shall furnish the commission statistical information or data as requested by the commission to fulfill its duties and responsibilities.

(23) Award loans or grants of money, equipment, or personnel to public or private nonprofit corporations or associations, agencies of the State of Alabama or political subdivisions thereof, or to state, county, or municipal law enforcement, prosecutorial, or judicial agencies upon terms and conditions as the commission may deem proper for the purpose of developing, enhancing, or establishing bona fide model crime victims service programs which emphasize the collection of restitution from criminals as an integral part of the criminal justice process. The loans or grants shall only be awarded when sufficient funds are available in excess of reasonably anticipated or projected claims for compensation.

(24) Provide for the cost of forensic medical examinations for the purpose of gathering evidence and treatment for preventing sexually transmitted infections in sexual abuse crimes and offenses.

(25) Carry out any powers expressly granted elsewhere in this article to the commission.

(26) All other powers necessary for the proper administration of this article.

Ala. Code § 15-23-5 (1975)

Amended by Act 2022-196,§ 1, eff. 4/1/2022.

Amended by Act 2014-335,§ 1, eff. 10/1/2014.

Acts 1984, No. 84-658, p. 1308, §5; Acts 1986, No. 86-510, p. 993, §3; Acts 1990, No. 90-470, p. 677, §2; Acts 1995, No. 95-494, p. 994, §1.