This bill appropriates $30,000 from the state general funds to the judicial branch for the purpose of hiring an independent contractor. The contractor will conduct a manual review of domestic violence and stalking cases, as well as related criminal cases, to compile and collate data for statistical analysis. This data will be beneficial for the judicial branch, the governor’s commission on domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and other interested parties or organizations. Importantly, the contractor is prohibited from gathering, recording, or compiling any personal information that identifies any party involved in these cases.

The funds are allocated for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, and the bill stipulates that if additional funds from other sources, such as federal or state matching funds or grants, become available, those should be utilized before accessing the appropriated amount. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the understanding and analysis of domestic violence and stalking cases through systematic data collection while ensuring the privacy of individuals involved.