(a) The Victims Compensation Board is established for the purpose of awarding compensation to victims of crimes and to their dependents. The Board shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor as follows: one physician licensed to practice in this State, one attorney admitted to practice in this State, one individual who is a crime victim, and two public members. Each member shall serve for a term of three years. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(b) The Board shall function independently. In order to maximize eligibility for federal reimbursement, the Center for Crime Victim Services shall coordinate the Victims Compensation Program with other programs compensating victims of crime, including offender restitution and counseling costs for victims of child sexual abuse.

(c) The Board shall meet at least monthly to review and determine applications. Members of the Board are entitled to compensation and expenses as provided under 32 V.S.A. § 1010.

(d) The Board shall adopt rules under 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including rules relating to evaluation and determination of awards under this chapter.

(e) The Board may employ such staff as needed to carry out the provisions of this chapter. Staff retained by the Board shall not be considered State employees. (Added 1989, No. 214 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1991, No. 263 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2015, No. 97 (Adj. Sess.), § 77.)