CA Assembly Passes Rubio Bill to Protect Domestic Violence Service Providers

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Legislature today passed a bill by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that will ensure domestic violence providers are able to keep services accessible amid COVID-19 and in the future.

Senate Bill 1276 will remove the 10 percent cash or in-kind matching requirement for state grants awarded to domestic violence programs that provide essential resources. In addition to state requirements, domestic violence service providers must also meet match fund requirements for federal funding sources.

“This change in state policy is long overdue, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more urgent,” Senator Rubio said. “It is critical that we provide some relief to our domestic violence shelters serving our most vulnerable populations." 

Similar programs such as the Rape Victim Counseling Centers and Human Trafficking Victims Assistance do not mandate this matching fund service requirement.

It is expected, with ongoing social distancing requirements and possible economic downturn, that domestic violence service providers will continue to be negatively impacted. Eliminating the match requirement can provide some flexibility and relief to programs providing essential services in local communities.

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.

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For media inquiries, email edward.barrera@sen.ca.gov