Bill > HB1498

This bill establishes a new domestic violence co-responder grant program and creates a dedicated account to fund it. The program, to be administered by the office of crime victims advocacy, will award matching grants to cities and counties to establish domestic violence co-responder programs, which are defined as initiatives that deploy victim advocates alongside law enforcement to domestic violence scenes to provide whole family support, resource connection, and care navigation. The bill creates a domestic violence co-responder account in the state treasury, which will be funded by a new $100 fee added to marriage license costs. The account can be used for the grant program and, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, other domestic violence-related programs and services. The grant program will also provide technical assistance, training, and help for grantees in billing health insurance for these services. By creating this dedicated funding and program, the bill aims to enhance support and resources for domestic violence victims at the initial point of law enforcement intervention.