Sponsor Statement for SB 237

Council Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

The Council was established in the Department of Public Safety in 1981 by AS 18.66. SB 237 extends the Council another 4 years to June 30, 2002.

The Council’s tasks include the following duties:

1. in consultation with authorities, develop, implement, maintain, and monitor domestic violence, sexual assault, and crisis intervention and prevention programs
2. coordinate services provided by certain state agencies and community groups dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, crisis intervention and prevention
3. provide technical assistance as requested by state agencies and community groups
4. develop standardized data collection system
5. receive and dispense state and federal money and award grants and contracts
6. make an annual report to the governor.

The 1994 and 1997 audits point out problems with data collection: in 1994, the Legislative Auditor was concerned about delays in posting data and the accuracy of the data; in 1997 the auditor’s concerns continue to be with delays. However, the Council has made strides in automating and standardizing the data. The FY 96 and FY 97 reports, which are based on the data, are not yet complete.

The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee introduced the bill to ensure the extension could be considered by the Legislature.