DOMESTIC & SEX. VIOLENCE TREATMENT BD. H.B. 5278 (H-1):
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 5278 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Sheldon A. Neely
House Committee: Law and Justice
CONTENT
The bill would amend the domestic violence prevention and treatment Act to do the following:
-- Change references to "Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board" and "domestic violence" to "Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board" and "domestic and sexual violence", respectively.
-- Modify the duties of the Board, and require the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide staff to enable the Board to administer grants from the Federal government or other funds as provided by law.
The Act establishes the Board, and specifies its membership and responsibilities. Where the Act refers to the Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board and "domestic violence", the bill instead would refer to the "Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board" and "domestic and sexual violence", respectively.
The Act requires the DHHS to provide staff to enable the Board to carry out its powers and duties. Among other things, these include advising the Legislature and Governor on the nature, magnitude, and priorities of the problem of domestic violence and the needs of victims of domestic violence; and recommending changes in State programs, statutes, policies, budgets, and standards that will reduce the problem and improve the condition of victims. Instead of those duties, the bill would require the DHHS to provide staff to enable the Board to do the following:
-- Advise the Legislature and Governor on the nature, magnitude, and priorities of the problem of domestic and sexual violence and the needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence; and recommend appropriate changes in State laws and programs related to domestic and sexual violence.
-- Develop policies, budgets, and standards that will reduce the problem of domestic and sexual violence and improve the condition of victims.
The bill also would require the DHHS to provide staff to enable the Board to administer grants from the Federal government or a Federal agency and other funds as provided by law or designated by the DHHS.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
BACKGROUND
Enacted in 1978, the domestic violence prevention and treatment Act created the Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board and prescribes the membership and duties of the Board. Executive Order 2012-17 abolished the Board, and created the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board within the Department of Human Services (now the DHHS) to replace it. The Executive Order transferred all of the authority, powers, duties, functions, personnel, and responsibilities of the former Board to the new Board, and also required the Board to administer grants awarded under the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and other grants.
Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.