MS HB940

Establishes a Domestic Violence Task Force with up to 25 members including shelter directors, batterer intervention program managers, Attorney General, State Auditor, police chiefs, prosecutors, judges, medical professionals, social workers, domestic violence victims, and other specialists appointed by the Governor.

Includes ex officio nonvoting legislative members consisting of chairs of relevant House and Senate committees, two state senators appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and one representative appointed by the Speaker of the House.

Requires the task force to meet at least quarterly with the Governor calling the first meeting within 60 days; members serve without compensation and elect a chairman annually limited to two consecutive terms.

Directs the task force to provide recommendations on funding standards for domestic violence shelters, batterer intervention programs, client record confidentiality standards, training requirements for law enforcement and court personnel, and uniform reporting systems.

Requires the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) to provide support to the task force and directs formation of a Domestic Violence Commission to execute the task force's recommendations and submit legislation to state leadership.