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Senate panel advances $10 million request for community domestic‑violence programs
Summary
Senate Bill 191, which would appropriate $10 million to the Crime Victims Reparation Commission for community‑based domestic violence programs, received a due‑pass recommendation after sponsors and advocates said providers face a large and growing demand.
Senate Bill 191, an appropriation request to shift and expand funding for community‑based domestic violence programs, won a due‑pass recommendation from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday.
Sponsor Sen. Hill framed the bill as a response to sharply increased demand for shelter, counseling and crisis services. "Senate Bill 191 is just simply making an appropriation to the Crime Victims Reparation Commission for community based domestic violence programs," Hill said. She and an expert witness said funding is necessary to avoid service gaps as providers confront rising shelter nights, crisis calls and program participation.
Mary Ellen Gonzalez, chief executive officer of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, told the committee the 32 shelter programs the coalition represents had not received an increase in state funding for more than five years while demand surged. "Currently, we are asking for $10,000,000 to go into the Crime Victims Reparation Commission. This would diversify our funding between two different state agencies, which we feel is incredibly necessary," Gonzalez said. She cited a 44.7% increase in shelter nights and a roughly 53% increase in crisis calls since 2020.
Committee action: A due‑pass motion by Sen. Dewey was adopted by voice vote and a show‑of‑hands; committee staff recorded no roll‑call tally in the hearing record. The sponsor indicated the bill will proceed to the next committee with the committee's favorable recommendation.
Why it matters: Advocates said additional state funding would stabilize providers facing federal funding cuts and rising service costs. Gonzalez told the committee that greater diversification of state funding across agencies could speed disbursement and reduce the risk of interruptions in services to survivors.
Ending: With the due‑pass recommendation, SB191 moves forward in the legislative process with a request for a $10 million appropriation to support community domestic‑violence programs statewide.
