BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 1547 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 9, 2014 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 1547 (Gomez) - As Introduced: January 23, 2014 Policy Committee: Public SafetyVote: 7-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: SUMMARY This bill eliminates the January 1, 2015 sunset date for the Domestic Violence Advisory Council, allowing the council to remain in effect indefinitely. FISCAL EFFECT Ongoing costs for the council are minor and absorbable - likely less than $10,000 for minor travel reimbursement. Funding for the Domestic Violence Program is a combination of GF and federal funds. Total funding for the program, including federal grants from prior years, is about $35 million, including about $20 million GF. COMMENTS 1)Rationale. The author and proponents (a lengthy list of domestic violence-related providers and organizations) contend the council has provided a reliable and effective voice for domestic violence victims and programs and should be extended indefinitely. 2)Current law establishes the Comprehensive Statewide Domestic Violence Program, administered by the Office of Emergency Services (OES), to provide financial and technical assistance to local domestic violence service providers, and requires OES to consult with an advisory council in implementing the program. The Domestic Violence Advisory Council comprises specified experts in the field of providing services to victims of domestic violence. The council has 13 members; (7) AB 1547 Page 2 appointed by the governor, (3) by the Assembly Speaker, and (3) by the Senate pro Tem. The OES website states, "The mission of the Domestic Violence Advisory Council (DVAC) is to collaborate with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to ensure the safety and security of all Domestic Violence victims through the development of policies, procedures and priorities which promote effective and accessible services for victims." 3)There is no known opposition to this measure . Analysis Prepared by : Geoff Long / APPR. / (916) 319-2081