Assembly Bill 139, by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has been approved in the State Legislature following concurrence vote today in the Assembly. The measure now goes to the Governor for signature.
AB 139 clears up a technicality to provide more funds for local domestic violence shelters. The bill stipulates that those convicted of domestic violence must pay a minimum $500 fee - not a fine - after they are granted probation. This clarification is important because it would clear up confusion over the $500 payment and ensure funding for local domestic violence programs.
"Funding domestic violence shelters is critical. Clarifying the payment to be a fee would assist judges, collecting agencies and counties disburse the proper funding to the state and local shelters," said Assemblymember Holden.
AB 139 unanimously passed both Houses and received support from domestic violence shelters throughout the state, as well as various women's organizations.
Governor Brown now has 30 days to sign or veto AB 139. If signed, AB 139 would go into effect January 1, 2014.
Source: Holden press release
- Brad Haugaard
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