Establishes a statewide legal services program for income-eligible domestic violence survivors

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jenifer Rajkumar

Establish a statewide legal services program to provide income-eligible domestic violence survivors with access to free legal help, improving safety and justice.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Overview

Bill A 9120, sponsored by primary sponsor Jenifer Rajkumar, would establish a statewide legal services program aimed at income-eligible domestic violence survivors. The bill was introduced and immediately referred to the Governmental Operations committee on September 26, 2025, with the same referral noted in the legislative actions.

Purpose and Intent

Create a formal, statewide mechanism to provide legal services to domestic violence survivors whose income falls within eligibility thresholds.

Improve access to legal support for survivors, potentially addressing barriers that impede safety, stability, and justice.

Note: The exact scope, eligibility criteria, and the specific legal services to be provided would be defined in the bill’s text. The information available here confirms the bill’s broad objective but does not detail the substantive provisions.

Key Provisions (as described by the bill’s title; detailed text not provided)

Establishment of a statewide program dedicated to legal services for income-eligible domestic violence survivors.

Aimed at ensuring access to legal representation and related legal assistance for eligible survivors.

Provisions likely to specify governance, funding mechanisms, administration, eligibility criteria (income-based), scope of legal services (e.g., protective orders, family law, housing, immigration-related relief, and other civil legal matters), and reporting requirements.

Coordination with existing state agencies, courts, and domestic violence service providers to streamline access and delivery of services.

Note: The exact statutory language, funding levels, administration structure, and service parameters would be found in the bill’s text if enacted.

Who would be Affected

Domestic violence survivors who meet income eligibility criteria would be eligible to receive legal services under the program.

Legal aid organizations, civil legal services providers, and domestic violence service providers could be involved in delivering services.

State and local government entities responsible for program administration, oversight, and funding.

Courts and law enforcement agencies may interact with the program through referrals and coordination.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: September 26, 2025.

Legislative action: Referred to Governmental Operations on September 26, 2025 (listed twice in actions, indicating a committee referral).

Current status indicates the bill is in committee consideration; no floor action or final passage information is available in the provided material.

Next Steps (if you want more detail)

Review the full bill text to confirm eligibility criteria, funding sources, program administration, service scope, reporting requirements, and implementation timeline.

Monitor committee hearings and amendments in the Governmental Operations committee for substantive changes or clarifications.

Seek official fiscal notes and impact analyses to understand anticipated costs and budget implications.

Bill