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 for other purposes.

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 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:	Papen		DATE TYPED:	01/27/03		HB
SHORT TITLE:		Domestic Violence Shelters & Programs				SB	52
					ANALYST:		Chabot

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
$2,000.0				Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to an appropriation in the General Appropriations Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Administrative Office of the District Attorneys

Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

Responses Not Received From

Administrative Office of the Courts

Lieutenant Governor

Human Services Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 52 appropriates $2 million from the general fund to the Children, Youth and Families Department for the purpose of contracting with domestic violence shelters and programs statewide to provide services to children of victims of domestic violence. The bill has an emergency clause so it would take effect immediately.

Significant Issues

Domestic violence issues continue to plague New Mexico and we have one of the highest rates per capita (15.1 incidents per 1,000 persons) of any state. A Violence Policy Center report ranked New Mexico eight nationwide in incidents of domestic violence. In Bernalillo County, there have been five deaths attributed to domestic violence since January 1, 2003. Every year throughout the United States, there are an estimated 1.5 million injuries from domestic violence, more than the combined number of muggings, rapes and car accidents. Most victims are women and children. Those children that are not physically harmed may have difficulties later in life and may continue the cycle of abuse if counseling services are not immediately available.

For federal fiscal year 2002, CYFD contracted services assisted 14,000 individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. This service was performed through 23 shelters throughout the state. These shelters typically expend all of the state funds by February each year and need to seek additional funding from other sources to continue services.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $2,000.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund. Expenditures are authorized in fiscal years 2003 and 2004. The 2002 General Appropriation Act for fiscal year 2003 provides $4,625.0 for domestic violence programs in the CYFD operating budget. CYFD estimates that $332.0 of this appropriation would be spent in FY03 and $1,668.0 in FY04.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

CYFD will have to expand contractual services for domestic violence programs throughout the state. As a normal practice, CYFD spreads new domestic violence funding equally across the 23 shelters and providers under contract to CYFD. This may not be the best method of expanding services in areas of immediate need. The agency should review needs throughout the state and make the distribution of new revenue in line with the needs.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. How will CYFD use the additional funds available for domestic violence shelters and programs?

2. Does CYFD need additional staff support to effectively manage the program?

3. What is the estimated need and cost for domestic violence services throughout the state?

GAC/njw