State lawmakers have increased how much murder victims’ families can receive for their funerals. The Department of Crime Victim Compensation can now pay up to $6,500 for funeral and burial expenses. “This is aid for families who’ve gone through one of the worst things imaginable and it’s paid for by criminals,” Attorney General Alan Wilson said. “I want to thank the legislature for approving this increase.” This covers funeral and burial costs for homicide victims who were not involved in illegal activity or contributed to their victimization. A survey found funeral costs had risen to about $7,000. The $6,500 is in line with most other states. The increase does not come from taxpayers. The Department of Crime Victim Compensation is funded by fines, fees, and assessments on individuals convicted of criminal offenses. The state provided payments last year for 344 funerals, 250 burials, 86 cremations, and 8 remains shipped at a cost of $1,244,222.