HB 777 -- VICTIMS OF CRIMES (Hosmer)

The bill provides crime victims compensation for any Missouri
resident who is the victim of an act of terrorism that occurred
outside of the United States.

The bill also requires, upon a finding of guilt in a criminal
trial, for a civil hearing to be conducted before final
sentencing to decide the amount due to the victim as
restitution.  The court will issue a civil judgment in that
amount payable to the victim.  The court may include the amount
ordered payable to the victim for restitution as a condition of
probation.  In addition, an offender committed to the custody of
the Department of Corrections will not be granted parole unless
full payment of restitution, if any, is made a condition of
parole.

The bill also allows board or commission members to contribute
all or part of their expense reimbursement for the counseling,
treatment, and therapy of children who have been abused.  The
contribution is deposited into the Youth Services Treatment Fund
which is created for this purpose.  The fund is administered by
the Division of Youth Services.  The division will make
recommendations on fund expenditures to the Governor and the
Department of Social Services.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund Exceeds
$100,000 in FY 1998, FY 1999, & FY 2000.

HB 777 -- COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

SPONSOR:  Hosmer

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Criminal
Law by a vote of 15 to 0.

The bill provides crime victims compensation for any Missouri
resident who is the victim of an act of terrorism that occurred
outside of the United States.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this legislation is federally
mandated in order for the state to come into compliance with
anti-terrorism legislation enacted by the federal government in
1995.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Hosmer.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Michael Warrick, Research Analyst

HB 777 -- Compensation For Victims Of Terrorism

Sponsor:  Hosmer

The bill provides crime victims compensation for a Missouri
resident who is the victim of an act of terrorism that occurred
outside of the United States.