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House passes bill to create domestic-violence advocacy program for victims
Summary
The House passed H.B. 56 to establish a volunteer-based domestic-violence advocacy program that would train volunteers, coordinate volunteer legal services, and use graduate-student coordinators; the measure passed 52–12 and will be sent to the Senate.
The Utah House on the floor approved House Bill 56 on a 52–12 vote to create a statewide domestic-violence advocacy program aimed at helping victims navigate legal forms and access shelter and other community resources.
Representative Armond (Arman) Evans, the bill's sponsor, told colleagues the program would "train volunteers to provide assistance by filling out the forms required in the Spouse Abuse Act," and would coordinate volunteer legal services with Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society. He said the program would rely heavily on volunteers and use graduate students to administer the program, with costs limited to stipends and expenses.
During questions, Representative Goodfellow asked whether the program could be accomplished administratively rather than by statute. Evans replied that legislation was needed both to secure funding and to define the program's parameters. Representative Jones asked for more detail on volunteer duties; Evans said volunteers would help victims complete difficult forms, provide nonlegal assistance such as referrals to shelters, and serve as community access points.
The House opened and closed the roll and recorded the final tally: H.B. 56 received 52 affirmative votes and 12 negative votes and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
The bill text states it will train volunteers, coordinate services with legal aid providers, provide nonlegal assistance and referrals, and cover stipends and program expenses. The sponsor requested members' support on the grounds that the program is a low-cost way to extend assistance to victims of domestic violence.
