Criminal Injuries Compensation Amendment Act

What this bill does

This bill changes how the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board is managed by transferring appointment powers from the Governor to the Minister of Legal Affairs. It also relaxes the qualifications needed to lead the board - allowing experienced lawyers instead of requiring judges.

If passed (voted YES)

• The Minister of Legal Affairs will directly appoint board members instead of the Governor making appointments on the Minister's advice
• The board chairman can be any barrister/attorney with 10+ years experience rather than requiring a Supreme Court judge
• The deputy chairman only needs 8+ years legal experience and doesn't have to be in private practice in Bermuda

If rejected (voted NO)

• The Governor continues to appoint board members based on the Minister's recommendations
• Only Supreme Court judges can serve as board chairman
• Current stricter qualification requirements for deputy chairman remain in place

Who it affects

This primarily affects crime victims who apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, as well as lawyers who may be eligible to serve on the board under the relaxed qualifications.