Bill > S1562

This bill establishes the Flexible Assistance for Survivors of Violence (FAS) Pilot Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, to provide direct cash assistance to survivors of various forms of violence. The program will create grants for community-based organizations to distribute unrestricted financial aid to survivors, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations such as survivors of color, elderly survivors, survivors with disabilities, transgender survivors, and those from marginalized communities. The bill defines a broad definition of "survivor of violence" that includes victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, community violence, and those who have experienced or witnessed physical harm. An advisory committee of 6 members will oversee the grant process, ensuring racial, gender, and ethnic diversity, and prioritizing organizations with a history of serving marginalized survivors. Grant recipients can distribute funds with minimal documentation requirements, cannot require survivors to engage in other services, and must not exclude survivors based on citizenship, immigration status, or criminal record. Each organization can use up to 10% of the grant for administrative costs and must annually report the number of survivors assisted and the average assistance amount. The program is initially a pilot, with a requirement to post a public report by July 1, 2028, that includes policy recommendations for potentially creating a permanent grant program.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1562