Rhode Island Victim Compensation Bill Addresses Loophole

Heather Abbott had trouble applying despite losing a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings

Heather Abbott was a Rhode Island resident when she lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings three years ago, but she had trouble applying for the state's crime victim compensation fund.

Now state lawmakers are moving forward on legislation to prevent such hurdles from happening again.

The bill would make victims of terrorist attacks eligible for compensation even if the attack happened outside the state.

The state's General Treasurer Seth Magaziner says it will clarify conflicting language in the existing law.

The House voted 68-0 to pass the bill last month. It faces a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday.

Its sponsor is Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, a Newport Democrat. Abbott is a Newport resident.

The state ultimately determined Abbott was eligible after initially denying her claim.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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