[1] NOTE:  As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

 

Only the most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website.  The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC’s office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

 

 

F I S C A L   I M P A C T   R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR:

Rodriguez

 

DATE TYPED:

01/30/02

 

HB

 

 

SHORT TITLE:

Legal Aid for Domestic Abuse Cases

 

SB

337

 

 

ANALYST:

Trujillo

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

 

 

 

$1,000.0

$0.1  See Narrative

Recurring

General Fund

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

Relates to Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act

Relates to SB190

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From:                                                                

Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)

Crime Victims Reparation Commission (CVRC)

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of Bill

 

Senate Bill 190 appropriates $1 million from the general fund to the crime victims reparation commission to provide legal assistance to individuals who are involved in domestic abuse cases.

 

     Significant Issues

 

CVRC reports domestic violence victims have a great unmet need for legal assistance.  The lack of assistance usually results in continuation of the domestic violence situation.

 

AOC reports the judiciary is supportive of funding legal services for litigants who cannot afford them.  Self represented litigants often have difficulty understanding the complexities and rules in the litigation process.  Legal counsel not only provides needed advocacy for the litigants but also helps the litigation process work more smoothly.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The appropriation of $1,000.0 million contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

CVRC reports the agency would need to contract with approximately five organizations to adequately cover the state.  This would require developing a Request for Proposal (RFP), establishing a peer review process, awarding contracts, and conducting monitoring of the sub-grantees of these funds to insure proper use of the funds.  CVRC would have to hire a grant manager to perform the required duties.  CVRC indicates they cannot absorb the administrative costs.

 

RELATIONSHIP

 

Relates to SB190.  The bill changes the wording from SB190  from “domestic  abuse cases” to “domestic-related cases”.  This would provide broader coverage.

 

LAT/ar

 [1]Begin typing on the * in replace mode.  Do not add or delete spaces.