SACRAMENTO - February 27 - In hopes of expanding domestic violence services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community members, Assembly Member John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles), today introduced AB 1003. Sponsored by Equality California, the bill would expand access for LGBT service providers to a state fund within the California Emergency Management Agency (CALEMA), which supports LGBT-specific domestic violence programs across the state and is subsidized by a $23 fee on new domestic partner registrations. The fund was originally established through EQCA-sponsored legislation, AB 2051 (Cohn) in 2006.

"This bill would help support innovative program models that are proven most effective in serving LGBT survivors of violence, such as those being pioneered by LGBT centers and organizations across the state," said Assembly Member John A. Pérez.

The bill would expand the number of providers who can apply for grants through CALEMA and eliminate the requirement to provide shelter services in order to qualify for funding. Studies have shown that most LGBT domestic violence survivors do not typically access services through shelters.

"We must take whatever steps we can to ensure that LGBT survivors of domestic violence have access to culturally competent care and resources," said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California.