PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House voted 70 to 1 Thursday to pass a bill that aids victims of domestic violence who choose to leave their abusers, allowing them to apply, through the state's Crime Victim Compensation Program, for up to $2,500 in emergency relocation expenses.
The bill also expands the kinds of crime scene cleanup costs -- up to $2,000 -- eligible for compensation from the fund on an emergency basis. Currently, the only recoverable cost is for blood-stain cleanup.
It also allows the state's Crime Victims Compensation Fund to provide an emergency appropriation to such victims. Victims could use the emergency funds to buy a bus, train or plane ticket to leave the state, with the emergency amount being deducted from the final award that goes to a claimant.
The maximum a crime victim can collect from the fund is $25,000.
The bill now goes to Governor Chafee for his signature.