Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on HB2614.

Dahnika Short, Office of Revisor of Statutes, presented the Bill Brief.  (Attachment 21)

Proponents:

Kristen Czugala, Division Chief, Victims Services Division, Office of the Attorney General, testified that HB2614 makes narrowly tailored adjustments to the Crime Victims Compensation Board's (CVCB) confidentiality requirements to support child abuse investigations, and to prevent and investigate fraud committed against the program. This will help CVCB facilitate fraud investigations and help ensure that program funds are used solely for legitimate expenses and may serve as a deterrent to future attempts to defraud the program.  (Attachment 22)

Richard Samaniego, Chairman, CVCB, shared that Board members and staff review police reports and other sensitive documentation introduced during reconsideration hearings. This will would allow the CVCB to refer suspected fraudulent claims directly to law enforcement for investigation. This bill would also allow the CVCB, upon a finding that the records were not previously available, to provide records involving child abuse or neglect to law enforcement, a prosecutor, or DCF for purposes of investigation or prosecution.   (Attachment 23)

Proponents stood for questions.

The Chairperson closed the Hearing on HB2614.