"There are these many children who didn't fit into those specific categories, but were certainly suffering the results of gun violence," Leno said, who wrote the bill after The Chronicle last year reported widespread post-traumatic stress disorder among children living in violent neighborhoods.

San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris said the bill is a major turning point in addressing the needs of those who experience trauma.

"It broadens the definition of a victim of crime," said Harris, who initially raised the issue with Leno. "What we're realizing is whole communities are impacted by violent crime and should be protected and treated and supported in their desire to be healed."

A legislative analysis of Leno's bill, AB2809, estimated that 40 children annually would apply for the funding if the measure is passed.

Leno believes the number of children statewide who would qualify is radically higher.

"There needs to be a public education campaign. Teachers need to know. Ministers need to know," he said. "There is sufficient money in this fund to exponentially expand services."

The state Victim Compensation Program is not dependent on the state budget. Funding comes from restitution fines and other penalties levied on those convicted of crimes as well as money from traffic offenses. Last year, the program processed 49,000 applications, granting $75 million in claims for medical and mental health care, funeral expenses and other needs of victims or their relatives.

The fund collected $145 million in revenue.

At San Francisco's Visitacion Valley Middle School, there are several students who would qualify for the assistance allowed under the bill, said Principal Jim Dierke.

"In schools today, we have many students who witness community violence on the way home, on the way to school, on the way to the market and then they have to deal with it," Dierke said.

Dierke's school was featured a year ago in Chronicle stories on PTSD.

That trauma is devastating to the children, he said.

"They find it very, very hard to concentrate on any sort of learning," Dierke said. "Many of them develop school phobia and are afraid to come to school or be involved with large groups of people.