Assigned to FS               FOR COMMITTEE

 

 


 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1303

 

domestic violence program consolidation.

 

Purpose

 

            Codifies the Office for Domestic Violence Prevention (ODVP).  Consolidates funding for direct services within the Department of Economic Security (DES) and funding for law enforcement/prosecution within the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC).  Requires a report from DES and contains an intent clause.

 

Background

 

            A Strategic Program Area Review (SPAR) conducted by the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) as reported in January 1999 identified eight state agencies currently administering domestic violence funding.  The OSPB and JLBC agreed on just one finding and recommendation.

 

            The joint finding and recommendation pertains to a need for outcome measurements.  Pursuant to their recommendation, the proposed legislation requires DES to report to the Governor and Legislature by June 30, 2000 on baseline cost effectiveness information currently being collected and other outcome measures to be developed.

 

OSPB found that enhanced collaboration between agencies would increase efficiency and recommends increased collaboration among agencies to ensure appropriate distribution of funding.  JLBC found that lack of coordination between agencies inhibits efficient allocation of resources and recommends consolidation of funding within two state agencies, DES for direct services and ACJC for law enforcement and prosecution activities.

 

JLBC further found that funding increased since 1998 but service capacity did not increase for shelter beds, counseling, education and outreach.  JLBC recommends that any administrative savings generated from consolidating resources be directed for increased services.

 

            Some funding recipients serve victims of sexual assault and other crimes as well as victims of domestic violence.  Consolidation of funding could perhaps narrow the population or variety of services, or eliminate smaller service providers from being considered for funding.

 

Provisions

 

1.                  Codifies the ODVP in the Office of the Governor to coordinate domestic violence policy and to provide prevention services and training.

 

2.                  Designates DES to receive federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Program grants.

 

3.                  Designates DES to receive federal Stop Violence Against Women (STOP) grant funds.  Requires DES to transfer at least 50 percent of these funds to ACJC. 

 

4.                  Requires ACJC to transfer at least 35 percent of Victim Assistance (VA) funds to DES.

 

5.                  Requires the Department of Public Safety to transfer at least 40 percent of federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funds to DES each fiscal year.

 

6.                  Requires DES to use VA and VOCA funds for shelters and other direct services.

 

7.                  Subjects the 50 percent discretionary portion of STOP funds to legislative appropriation beginning in FY 2001-2002.

 

8.                  Prohibits DES from transferring more than $245,000 to ODVP in FY 1000-2000 or in FY 2000-2001.

 

9.                  Requires DES to submit a report by September 1, 2000 to the Governor, Legislature and JLBC on baseline cost-effectiveness and other outcome measures developed in consultation with other state agencies and stakeholders.

 

10.              Contains an intent clause that administrative savings generated by consolidating resources be used for direct services.

 

11.              Contains a purpose clause related to ODVP.

 

12.              Makes technical and conforming changes.

 

13.              Terminates ODVP on July 1, 2010.

 

14.              Repeals the statutory authority for ODVP on January 1, 2011.

 

15.              Contains a general effective date.

 

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

January 24, 2000