The following words and phrases as used in this chapter have the meanings set forth in this section unless the context otherwise requires.
RCW 7.68.020
Effective date- 2024 c 297 : See note following RCW 7.68.127.
Intent- 2011 c 346 : "It is the intent of the legislature that eligible victims of crime who suffer bodily injury or death as a result of violent crime receive benefits under the crime victims' compensation program. To ensure benefits are provided, within funds available, to the largest number of eligible victims, it is imperative to streamline and provide flexibility in the administration of the program. Therefore, the legislature intends to simplify the administration of the benefits and services provided to victims of crime by separating the administration of the benefits and services provided to crime victims from the workers' compensation program under Title 51 RCW. These changes are intended to clarify that the limited funding available to help victims of crimes will be managed to help the largest number of crime victims as possible." [2011 c 346 s 1.]
Retroactive application- 2011 c 346 : "This act applies retroactively for claims of victims of criminal acts that occurred on or after July 1, 1981, in which a closing order has not been issued or become final and binding as of July 1, 2011, except that victims receiving time loss or loss of support on or before July 1, 2011, may continue to receive time loss at the rate established prior to July 1, 2011. Aggravation applications filed by crime victims who had claims prior to July 1, 2011, will be adjudicated under the laws in effect on or after July 1, 2011. This act does not affect the retroactive application of chapter 122, Laws of 2010." [2011 c 346 s 802.]
Effective date- 2011 c 346 : "Except for *sections 402 and 503 of this act, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2011." [2011 c 346 s 806.]
*Reviser's note: Sections 402 and 503 of this act were vetoed by the governor.
Findings-Purpose-2002 c 10: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) The trafficking in persons is a modern form of slavery, and it is the largest manifestation of slavery today;
(b) At least seven hundred thousand persons annually, primarily women and children, are trafficked within or across international borders;
(c) Approximately fifty thousand women and children are trafficked into the United States each year;
(d) Trafficking in persons is not limited to the sex industry, and includes forced labor with significant violations of labor, public health, and human rights standards worldwide;
(e) Traffickers primarily target women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by poverty, the lack of access to education, chronic unemployment, discrimination, and the lack of economic opportunities in countries of origin; and
(f) There are not adequate services and facilities to meet the needs of trafficking victims regarding health care, housing, education, and legal assistance, which safely reintegrate trafficking victims into their home countries.
(2) The legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to provide a coordinated, humane response for victims of human trafficking through a review of existing programs and clarification of existing options for such victims." [ 2002 c 10 s 1.]
Application-1997 c 249: "This act is remedial in nature and applies to criminal acts that occur on April 1, 1997, and thereafter." [ 1997 c 249 s 2.]
Effective date-1997 c 249: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 2, 1997]." [ 1997 c 249 s 3.]
Effective date-1990 c 73: "This act shall take effect October 1, 1990." [ 1990 c 73 s 2.]
Application-1987 c 281 s 6: "The 1987 amendments to RCW 7.68.020 by section 5 [6] of this act apply only to vehicular assault under RCW 46.61.522 or vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520 that occurs after June 30, 1987." [ 1987 c 281 s 7.]
Effective date-1987 c 281: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect June 30, 1987." [ 1987 c 281 s 9.]
Severability-Effective date-1985 c 443: See notes following RCW 7.69.010.
Legislative intent-"Public or private insurance"-1980 c 156: "Sections 2 through 4 of this 1980 act are required to clarify the legislative intent concerning the phrase "public or private insurance" as used in section 13, chapter 122, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. and RCW 7.68.130 which was the subject of Wagner v. Labor & Indus., 92 Wn.2d 463 (1979). It has continuously been the legislative intent to include as "public insurance" both state and federal statutory social welfare and insurance schemes which make available to victims or their beneficiaries recompense as a result of the claimed injury or death, such as but not limited to old age and survivors insurance, medicare, medicaid, benefits under the veterans' benefits act, longshore and harbor workers act, industrial insurance act, law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system act, Washington public employees' retirement system act, teachers' retirement system act, and firemen's relief and pension act. "Private insurance" continuously has been intended to include sources of recompense available by contract, such as but not limited to policies insuring a victim's life or disability." [ 1980 c 156 s 1.]