(b) In addition to an award payable under Subsection (a), the attorney general may award not more than $75,000 for extraordinary pecuniary loss if the personal injury to a victim is catastrophic and results in a total and permanent disability to the victim. An award described by this subsection may be made for lost wages and the reasonable and necessary costs of:

(1) making a home or motor vehicle accessible;

(2) obtaining job training and vocational rehabilitation;

(3) training in the use of a special appliance;

(4) receiving home health care;

(5) durable medical equipment;

(6) rehabilitation technology; and

(7) long-term medical expenses incurred as a result of medically indicated treatment for the personal injury.

(c) A victim who is a victim of stalking, family violence, or trafficking of persons, or a victim of sexual assault who is assaulted in the victim's place of residence, may receive a one-time assistance payment in an amount not to exceed:

(1) $2,000 to be used for relocation expenses, including expenses for rental deposit, utility connections, expenses relating to moving belongings, motor vehicle mileage expenses, and for an out-of-state move, transportation, lodging, and meals; and

(2) $1,800 to be used for housing rental expenses.

(d) An immediate family member or household member of a deceased victim may not receive more than $1,000 in lost wages as a result of bereavement leave taken by the family or household member.

(e) The attorney general by rule may establish a limitation on any other pecuniary loss compensated under this chapter, including a limitation on pecuniary loss incurred as a result of a claimant's travel to and attendance of a deceased victim's funeral.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 469 (H.B. 4173), Sec. 1.06, eff. January 1, 2021.

Text of article effective on January 01, 2021