This bill expands the category of harm that gives rise to the application of laws under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 316-A to include psychological injury when the victim sustains bodily injury or a threat of bodily injury. The bill also provides coverage to victims of stalking, terrorizing and criminal threatening, including victims of domestic abuse.

The bill also clarifies the list of eligible expenses and losses and adds costs of cleaning up a crime scene.

The bill removes the cumbersome requirement of notarization of an application. An applicant will be subject to the penalties for unsworn falsification.

This bill is the recommendation of the Attorney General.