Creates new Commission on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Displaced Homemakers (“Commission”) within the Department of Administration for the purposes of assessing needs related to domestic and sexual violence and displaced homemakers, assuring that necessary services are provided to those in need, and strengthening existing programs funded through new Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Displaced Homemakers Fund (“Fund”). Creates powers, duties, membership criteria, terms, compensation, and procedures for 12-member Commission. Duties of Commission include developing standardized screening and intake process and online reporting system to provide for annual statewide assessment of trends, needs and best practices related to the provision of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, developing training for law enforcement and judicial personnel regarding domestic violence victims, improving data collection relating to domestic violence incidents, developing rules for approval of abuser treatment programs, developing training for medical and legal personnel working with victims of sexual assault, and developing public education programs relating to domestic and sexual violence.
Mandates that Fund monies be distributed to counties to benefit victims of domestic and sexual violence and displaced homemakers. Sets criteria for programs eligible to receive Fund monies, including limits on number of such programs in each county based on population. Amends GS 7A-305(a2) to require $75 of filing fee for divorce actions to be deposited in Fund. Amends GS 161-11.2 to require $30 of fee for marriage license be deposited in Fund. Eliminates existing Domestic Violence Center Fund, Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Center Fund, and NC Fund for Displaced Homemakers and transfers existing monies in those funds to Fund. Eliminates existing NC Council for Women and Domestic Violence Commission as of effective date of this act. Makes conforming changes.