California Bill Would Make Victims Of Police Violence Eligible For Compensation

The California Victim Compensation Board helps cover expenses, such as burial costs and medical treatment, for victims of violent crime or their families.

Now, they must file police reports in order to verify they are a victim of a crime, but AB-767 would allow the use of other forms of evidence—such as medical records or witness testimony—to prove those claims.

The proposed bill would expand what the state would cover to specifically include instances of police violence, even if an officer hasn’t been formally arrested or charged.

Now, applicants can be denied if they don’t cooperate with police officers at the scene of the crime, but the new bill would prohibit that in cases where officers use excessive force.

Supporters of the bill say the current system makes it nearly impossible for victims of police violence—who are disproportionately people of color—to get compensation because it generally requires corroboration from police departments.

The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association and the California Police Chief Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Forbes, while the California Peace Officers’ Association does not have an official position on the bill and declined to comment.