Measures approved on bipartisan votes
SACRAMENTO – Measures to help returning veterans and domestic violence victims sailed through first policy tests today, with both proposed laws receiving strong bipartisan support.
The measures by Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, are:
Senate Bill 1127, Training for Veteran Families. Approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, this measure would help families of veterans support their transition from active service to civilian life.
“A majority of resources available for veterans in helping them readjust to civilian life are targeted solely to them,” Oropeza said. “Most of the time, however, a veteran’s immediate family is the first line of support. It is important for us to provide families with tools that will help them help our veterans.”
SB 1233, Safe at Home Program. This measure would make permanent a proven program to protect victims of domestic violence from having to reveal their address for various official tasks, such as voting or enrolling their child in school. Already approved by the Senate Elections Committee, SB 1233 today was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“Since its inception in 1999, the Safe at Home Program has helped protect the identities of nearly 3,800 survivors of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault,” Oropeza said. “Repealing the sunset and making this a permanent program will provide certainty to participants that their anonymity will be permanently protected.”
Both bills now face review by the Senate Appropriations Committee. No date has yet been set.