HB1614

House Bill 1614 amends Arkansas law regarding the designation of state agencies responsible for administering federal criminal justice and victim support grants, including the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and the sexual assault services program. The bill establishes a Grant Advisory Board to oversee, review, and advise on the disbursement of these grant funds and the associated administrative processes. This Board is composed of representatives from various stakeholder groups, including advocacy coalitions for sexual assault and domestic violence, CASA, and law enforcement training entities. The designated state agency is prohibited from disbursing funds without first offering the Grant Advisory Board an opportunity for review and advice. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Grant Advisory Board submit annual reports to the Arkansas House and Senate Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs regarding the status of fund administration and the stability of victim services programs. Finally, it defines 'review' to clarify the Board's scope while explicitly stating this definition does not limit the General Assembly's legislative authority.