Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund; When

Payment Authorized.

(a)There is hereby established a Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (Fund), separate and apart from other funds of the government of Guam, from which the Commission may make payments as provided in Subsection

(b)of this Section. The Attorney General shall be the certifying officer of the Fund, and all payments therefrom shall be paid by the Attorney General upon order of the Commission. These funds shall not be transferred or used without the written approval of the Attorney General of Guam.

(b)The Commission shall have the authority to seek and accept on behalf of, and in the name of, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund from any government or agency thereof, or any person, natural or legal, advisory services, grants-in-aid, gifts, donations or money and other property for the benefit of the Fund; provided, however, that any such grants-in-aid, gifts, donations or other assistance shall not involve any obligation on the part of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.

(c)Where the Commission has made an award pursuant to this Chapter, the Commission shall make such payments from the COL 1/26/2024 CH. 161 COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES FROM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES Fund to or on behalf of the victim, or to or for the benefit of one

(1)or more of the dependents of a deceased victim, or to or for the benefit of other persons who have suffered pecuniary loss or incurred expenses on account of hospital, medical, funeral and burial expenses as a result of the victim’s injury or death. Payments made pursuant to this Section shall not exceed the total amount of the award.

(d)Initial payments of compensation awarded under this Chapter shall be remitted to the applicant no later than 30 days upon the approval of the claim.