Bill Text: HI HB2035 | 2014 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Domestic Violence; Appropriation; Women's Legislative Caucus ($)
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-3)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-31 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JUD with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Say excused (1). [HB2035 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2014-HB2035-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2035 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Funding support allocated to the judiciary for domestic violence services was cut by $570,000 in 2009 due to the fiscal downturn. Unfortunately, the demand for domestic violence services actually rises during difficult economic times, as evidenced by increases in hotline calls, shelter visits, and domestic violence-related crimes. Funding cuts that reduce available services may eliminate the one chance a domestic violence victim has to receive assistance and support, resulting in vulnerable individuals remaining trapped in violent situations and at risk of future harm, and stranding frightened and injured victims with nowhere to turn for help.
Although the State is now in a better financial position than it was in 2009, the same is not necessarily true for individual citizens. Declines in incomes and financial strain on families can trigger recession-related domestic violence. A study on domestic-violence homicides in Massachusetts found that "limited access to services for victims and unemployment for batterers" were key risk factors of abuse.
The services impacted by the 2009 cuts are vital ones for the health of the community and the State. Affected services include victims programs, batterers intervention programs, court outreach, support groups, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and legal representation for victims. The legislature finds that since the State is in a better financial position than in 2009, funding for these critical programs should be restored.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for purchase of service contracts for domestic violence programs.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for purchase of service contracts for domestic violence programs that provide services including victims programs, batterers intervention programs, court outreach, support groups, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and legal representation for victims.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Domestic Violence; Appropriation; Women's Legislative Caucus
Description:
Appropriates funds for purchase of service contracts for domestic violence programs. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB2035 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
