Assigned to FS                                                                                                           FOR CAUCUS & FLOOR ACTION

 

 


 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

REVISED

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1303

 

domestic violence program consolidation.

 

Purpose

 

            Establishes a task force to develop a consolidated state plan for coordinated and efficient use of resources for domestic violence and sexual assault programs.  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.  Therefore, SB 1303 establishes a task force of public and private stakeholders to develop a state plan to ensure coordinated and efficient use of resources.  The plan is due on December 1, 2000.

 

Provisions

 

1.      Establishes a task force to develop a consolidated state plan on domestic violence and sexual assault by December 1, 2000.

 

2.      Specifies the membership of four legislative members, directors of eight state agencies, representatives from four provider or advocacy organizations and a representative from law enforcement.  The legislative members are split between the bodies and by party.  One from each body is designated to cochair the task force.

 

3.      Requires the plan to include outcome goals, identification and prioritization of needs, identification of resources, gaps in services and resources, methods to ensure collaboration, efficiency and effectiveness indicators, a performance based evaluation process and review of funding allocation methodology.

 

4.      Requires the plan and a report to the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House by December 1, 2000.

 

5.      Stipulates that public members may be reimbursed for expenses but not compensated.

 

6.      Repeals the task force on June 30, 2001.

 

7.      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.

 

8.      Provides for a general effective date.

 

Amendments Adopted by Committee

 

1.      Deleted measures to consolidate domestic violence funding within two state agencies.

 

2.      Establishes a task force to develop a consolidated state plan for domestic violence and sexual assault by December 1, 2000.

 

3.      Requires public and private members on the task force as specified.

 

4.      Requires the plan to include specified elements.

 

5.      Requires the plan and a report to the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House on December 1, 2000.

 

6.      Stipulates that members are not eligible for compensation but public members are eligible for reimbursement of expenses.

 

7.      Repeals the task force on June 30, 2001.

 

Senate Action

 

FS     2/2/00     DPA     7-0-0

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

February 3, 2000