MS HB1030

Establishes the Office Against Interpersonal Violence (OAIV) within the Mississippi Department of Health to administer state and federal victim services funds and develop certification standards for domestic violence and victim service providers.

Creates a 7-member OAIV Advisory Board appointed by the State Health Officer, including representatives from social work, faith community, law, accounting, business, forensic medicine, and domestic violence survivors.

Grants OAIV authority to receive and administer federal and state grants for interpersonal violence victim services, effective July 1, 2016, and authorizes the office to establish performance, audit, and certification standards for grantee agencies.

Increases the grant ceiling for domestic violence shelters from $50,000 to $100,000 annually (adjusted for inflation using a Consumer Price Index inflator based on 1983 dollars) and establishes civil penalties of $10,000 plus compensatory damages for staff or volunteers who disclose confidential information about shelter residents.

Dissolves the existing Domestic Violence Task Force on December 31, 2014, after it submits legislative recommendations to the 2015 Regular Session, and repeals prior statutory criteria for shelter grant allocation.