2026 -- H 8156

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LC005784

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

     Introduced By: Representatives Tanzi, Casimiro, Alzate, Boylan, Furtado, Cortvriend,
Donovan, Stewart, Kislak, and Hull

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 12-29 of the General Laws entitled "Domestic Violence Prevention

Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     12-29-13. Domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services fund.

     (a) The general assembly finds and declares that domestic and sexual violence is a serious

public health problem in Rhode Island, resulting in numerous severe injuries and deaths annually

and significant first responder services, health and court costs, and that evidence-based domestic

violence and sexual assault direct services programs are critical lifesaving tools to mitigate the

continuing toll that such violence takes on our communities, cities, and towns. With decreased

available federal funding for survivor services, the availability of state funding for such victim

services is even more important. It is therefore in the best interest of the state to establish a fund to

promote effective programs providing expert direct victim services for survivors of domestic

violence and sexual assault in Rhode Island.

     (b) Domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services fund.

     (1) There is established the domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services fund, to

be administered by the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) administrator for the State of Rhode Island

(“DVSASS Fund Administrator”)

     (2) The domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services fund (“fund”) monies shall

be used to fund evidence-based direct services nonprofit organizations with the primary purpose of

providing services and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking,

trafficking and dating violence in the State of Rhode Island.

     (3) The fund shall be established with a one-time investment of one million dollars

($1,000,000) from the general fund in its inaugural year. Thereafter, the fund shall be sustained by

ten percent (10%) of proceeds from any settlement entered by the attorney general resulting from

a multi-state initiative, not to exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000) per settlement. The fund

shall be eligible and empowered to receive and deposit any monies from philanthropic donations.

     (4) The DVSASS administrator shall convene a domestic violence and sexual assault

survivor services fund statewide advisory committee for the fund comprised of those with

knowledge, experience, training, and/or expertise in the field of prevention of domestic violence,

sexual assault, stalking, trafficking and dating violence. The committee members shall include, but

shall not limited to, the executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic

Violence, or designee; the executive director of Sojourner House, or designee; the executive

director of Day One, or designee; the director of the department of health, or designee; the director

of the department of human services, or designee; the attorney general, or designee; and the general

treasurer, or designee; and the director of the department of public safety grant administration

office, or designee.

     (c) The domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services fund committee shall be

responsible for stewarding the fund and decisions related to the funding of nonprofit organizations

providing services and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking,

trafficking and dating violence in the State of Rhode Island, and shall:

     (1) Develop a plan and budget for distribution of funds;

     (2) Develop criteria for awarding and distributing funds to eligible nonprofit organizations

whose primary missions include reducing domestic violence and/or sexual assault in Rhode Island;

     (3) Issue requests for proposals to providers, organizations, firms, or entities that will

provide services to the committee; and

     (4) Review proposals for the funds and make final determination of grant awards.

     (d) The DVSASS administrator shall monitor and report annually on the use and impact of

the fund, including a detailed accounting of expenditures and funded programs. The annual report

shall be posted on the department of public safety website and transmitted to the general assembly

no later than February 28, 2027 and each year thereafter; and

     (e) The DVSASS administrator shall promote the general development and sustaining of

trauma-informed services and specialized advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual

assault, stalking, trafficking and dating violence in Rhode Island.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

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     This act would create the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivor Services Fund

in Rhode Island to provide stable state funding for evidence-based nonprofit organizations that

deliver direct services and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking,

trafficking, and dating violence. It also would establish funding sources, including an initial one

million dollars ($1,000,000) appropriation by the general assembly in its fiscal year 2027 budget

and a portion of certain attorney general settlements, and establish an advisory committee with

annual reporting requirements to oversee and ensure accountability for how the funds are

distributed and used.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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