MS HB1295

Amends definitions in domestic violence shelter law to include "interpersonal violence" (violence between family members, intimate partners, acquaintances, and strangers) and defines "batterer intervention programs" as behavior modification programs that must document cooperation with domestic violence shelters.

Requires state grants to domestic violence shelters to be matched by local funds of at least 25% of operational costs, with local contributions to be in cash rather than in-kind donations.

Adjusts the $50,000 annual state funding cap for shelters by applying a general Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflator to maintain the same buying power as the original $50,000 cap established in 1983.

Creates civil liability of $10,000 plus compensatory damages for any shelter employee, contractor, volunteer, or agent who discloses confidential information about shelter residents or their identities without court order authorization.

Adds protections allowing shelter staff and residents to withhold physical shelter addresses from public and private agencies, requiring only a post office box address to be disclosed.