Alabama House Bill HB155

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Report Pass: 4/19/23
• Engrossed: 4/25/23
• Refer: 4/25/23
• Report Pass: 5/24/23
• Enrolled: 5/25/23
• Passed: 5/25/23

Caption

To make an appropriation of $169,633 from the State General Fund to the Coalition Against Domestic Violence for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, to require an operations plan and an audited financial statement prior to the release of any funds, and to require quarterly and end of the year performance reports.

Impact

The enactment of HB 155 is expected to instill greater financial discipline within the Coalition Against Domestic Violence. By imposing requirements for detailed reports on expenditures and program effectiveness, the legislation seeks to ensure that public funds are managed effectively and transparently. This could lead to improved outcomes in the services provided by the Coalition, as well as foster public trust in how state resources are allocated. The emphasis on performance reporting aligns with wider state efforts to enhance accountability in the use of public funding.

Summary

House Bill 155 appropriates a total of $169,633 from the State General Fund to support the Coalition Against Domestic Violence for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The bill aims to enhance the operational accountability of the Coalition by requiring an operations plan and an audited financial statement to be submitted before any funds are released. Additionally, the Coalition is mandated to provide quarterly and end-of-year performance reports relating to their expenditures and services rendered, ensuring that the state is aware of how the funds are utilized and the effectiveness of the programs supported by this funding.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 155 appears to be generally positive, as it addresses the critical issue of domestic violence by ensuring that funds are allocated responsibly. Supporters of the bill likely view it as a proactive measure that enhances both the operational efficiency of the Coalition and the overall effectiveness of programs aimed at combatting domestic violence. However, discussions within the legislative context may have included concerns about the burden that additional reporting requirements could place on the Coalition, particularly in regards to their operational capacity and responsiveness.

Contention

While the bill seems to have garnered support, there may be points of contention regarding the reporting requirements. Some legislators might argue that the detailed oversight could create additional administrative burdens on the Coalition, potentially detracting from their primary mission of service delivery. Balancing the need for accountability with operational efficiency will likely continue to be a topic of debate among stakeholders in the domestic violence advocacy community and within legislative discussions.