To establish a penalty that will hold convicted domestic violence offenders accountable while requiring them to pay penalties to offset the costs of domestic violence advocacy and prevention programs. The bill intends the revenue from the penalties imposed to be used for established domestic violence prevention and prosecution programs. See also Companion HB 2397.   Official Text and Analysis.

To encourages judges to solicit input from victims when assessing the offenders ability to pay this penalty. The substitute clarifies that cities and counties may not supplant the revenue generated by this new penalty for purposes other than domestic violence advocacy or prevention. The substitute passed in committee on February 5, 2005.

By Doug Levy, City of Kent; Tami A. Perdue, City of Kent; Carey Morris, Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Amber Balch Carter, AWB, who testified that domestic violence programs are in a state of crisis. Last year, 35,000 individuals were refused from domestic violence shelters, due to a lack of space. By creating a new funding stream, this bill will allow cities and counties to assist families affected by domestic violence.

By Sherry Appleton, WACDL, WDA, who testified that this does not offer a consistent source of funding. The fines, restitution and penalties that offenders are already required to pay are high and difficult to recoup. When legal financial obligations (LFOs) are not paid by an offender, the offender is charged interest, and failure to pay these LFOs can result in more incarceration.

Establishing a penalty for convicted domestic violence offenders to offset the costs of domestic violence advocacy and prevention programs.

To add language stating that it is the Legislature's intent that the revenue from the penalty assessment shall be in addition to existing funding sources to enhance or help prevent the reduction and elimination of domestic violence programs; and makes a technical correction by amending inadvertently omitted statutes dealing with the PSEA.

The Senate concurred with the House amendments.

Establishing a penalty for convicted domestic violence offenders to offset the costs of domestic violence advocacy and prevention programs.