[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3764 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3764
To amend the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to make
improvements.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 3, 2026
Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Ms. Blunt Rochester) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to make
improvements.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES IN ACT.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Family Violence
Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026''.
(b) References.--Except as otherwise specified, amendments made by
this Act to a section or other provision of law are amendments to such
section or other provision of the Family Violence Prevention and
Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq.).
TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO THE FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES ACT
SEC. 101. PURPOSE.
Subsection (b) of section 301 (42 U.S.C. 10401) is amended to read
as follows:
``(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this title to improve services
and interventions for victims of family violence, domestic violence,
and dating violence and to advance primary and secondary prevention of
family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence by--
``(1) assisting States (including territories) and Indian
Tribes in supporting local programs to provide accessible,
trauma-informed, culturally relevant residential and non-
residential services to victims and their children and
dependents;
``(2) strengthening the capacity of Indian Tribes to
exercise their sovereign authority to respond to violence
specified in this subsection and committed against Indians;
``(3) providing for a network of technical assistance and
training centers to support effective policy, practice,
research, and cross-system collaboration to improve
intervention and prevention efforts throughout the country;
``(4) supporting the efforts of State (including
territorial) and Tribal coalitions to address the needs of
victims and their children and dependents, including those who
are underserved or otherwise face obstacles to accessing
services, implement effective coordinated community and systems
responses, and promote ongoing public education and community
engagement;
``(5) maintaining national domestic violence, dating
violence, and family violence hotlines, including a national
Indian domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence
hotline; and
``(6) supporting the development and implementation of
evidence-informed, coalition-led, and community-based primary
prevention approaches and programs.''.
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
Section 302 (42 U.S.C. 10402) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``In
this title:'' and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--In this title:'';
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Child.--The term `child' means an individual who is--
``(A) younger than age 18; and
``(B) not an emancipated minor.'';
(3) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4);
(4) by--
(A) redesignating paragraphs (13) and (14) as
paragraphs (20) and (21), respectively;
(B) redesignating paragraphs (7) through (12) as
paragraphs (12) and (14) through (18), respectively;
and
(C) redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as
paragraphs (9) and (11), respectively;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Dating partner.--The term `dating partner' has the
meaning given such term in section 40002(a) of the Violence
Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).
``(4) Dating violence.--The term `dating violence' has the
meaning given such term in section 40002(a) of the Violence
Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).
``(5) Digital services.--The term `digital services' means
services, resources, information, support, or referrals that
are provided through electronic communications platforms and
media (which may include mobile phone technology, video
technology, computer technology (including use of the
internet), and any other emerging communications technologies
that are appropriate for the purposes of providing services,
resources, information, support, or referrals for the benefit
of victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating
violence) and that are in accessible formats, including formats
compliant with the most recent Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines of the World Wide Web Consortium, or successor
guidelines as applicable.
``(6) Disability.--The term `disability' has the meaning
given the term in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
``(7) Domestic violence.--The term `domestic violence' has
the meaning given such term in section 40002(a) of the Violence
Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).
``(8) Family violence.--The term `family violence' means
any act, threatened act, or pattern of acts of physical or
sexual violence, stalking, harassment, psychological abuse,
economic abuse, technological abuse, or any other form of
abuse, including threatening to commit harm against children or
dependents or other members of the household of the recipient
of the threat for the purpose of coercion, threatening, or
causing harm, directed against a person (including an elderly
person) who is--
``(A) related by blood or marriage to the person
committing such an act (including a threatened act or
pattern of acts);
``(B) a dating partner or other person similarly
situated to a dating partner under the laws of the
jurisdiction;
``(C) a person who is cohabitating with or has
cohabitated with the person committing such an act
(including a threatened act or pattern of acts);
``(D) a current or former spouse or other person
similarly situated to a spouse under the laws of the
jurisdiction;
``(E) a person who shares a child or dependent in
common with the person committing such an act; or
``(F) any other person who is protected from any
such act under the domestic or family violence laws,
policies, or regulations of the jurisdiction.'';
(6) by amending paragraph (9), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(9) Indian; indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms
`Indian', `Indian Tribe', and `Tribal organization' have the
meanings given such terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).'';
(7) by inserting after paragraph (9), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(10) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given such
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).'';
(8) by amending paragraph (11), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(11) Native hawaiian; native hawaiian organization.--The
terms `Native Hawaiian' and `Native Hawaiian organization' have
the meanings given such terms in section 6207 of the Native
Hawaiian Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7517).'';
(9) in paragraph (12), as so redesignated, by striking ``42
U.S.C. 13925(a)'' and inserting ``34 U.S.C. 12291(a)'';
(10) by inserting after paragraph (12), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(13) Population specific services.--The term `population
specific services' has the meaning given such term in section
40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act (34 U.S.C.
12291(a)).'';
(11) by amending paragraph (15), as so redesignated, to
read as follows:
``(15) Shelter.--The term `shelter' means the provision of
temporary refuge and basic necessities, in conjunction with
supportive services, provided on a regular basis, in compliance
with applicable State (including territorial), Tribal, or local
law to victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating
violence, and their children and dependents. Such law includes
regulations governing the provision of safe homes and other
forms of secure temporary lodging, meals, or supportive
services (including providing basic necessities) to victims of
family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and
their children and dependents.'';
(12) in paragraph (17), as so redesignated--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
inserting ``, designated by the Secretary,'' after
``organization''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``dependents''
and inserting ``children and dependents'';
(13) in paragraph (18), as so redesignated, by striking
``dependents'' each place it appears and inserting ``children
and dependents'';
(14) by inserting after paragraph (18), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(19) Tribal domestic violence coalition.--The term
`Tribal Domestic Violence Coalition' means an established
nonprofit, nongovernmental Indian organization, Alaska Native
organization, or Native Hawaiian organization recognized by the
Office on Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice
that--
``(A) provides education, support, and technical
assistance to member Indian service providers, Native
Hawaiian organizations, or the Native Hawaiian
community in a manner that enables the member
providers, organizations, or communities to establish
and maintain culturally appropriate services, including
shelter and supportive services designed to assist
Indian or Native Hawaiian victims of family violence,
domestic violence, or dating violence and the children
and dependents of such victims; and
``(B) is comprised of board and general members who
are representative of--
``(i) the member service providers,
organizations, or communities described in
subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) the Tribal communities or Native
Hawaiian communities in which the services are
being provided.'';
(15) in paragraph (20), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking ``tribally'' and inserting
``Tribally'';
(B) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting
``Tribal''; and
(C) by striking ``tribe'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Tribe'';
(16) in paragraph (21), as so redesignated, by striking
``42 U.S.C. 13925(a)'' and inserting ``34 U.S.C. 12291(a)'';
and
(17) by adding at the end the following:
``(22) Underserved racial or ethnic population.--The term
`underserved racial or ethnic population' means a population
that primarily consists of an underserved racial or ethnic
population, within the meaning of section 40002(a)(46) of the
Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(46)).
``(23) Youth.--The term `youth' has the meaning given such
term in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of
1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).
``(b) Rule of Construction.--In this title, any use of the term
`family violence', `domestic violence', or `dating violence' shall be
treated as a reference to each of the terms `family violence',
`domestic violence', and `dating violence'.''.
SEC. 103. GRANT CONDITIONS.
The Act (42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq.) is amended by inserting after
section 302 the following:
``SEC. 302A. GRANT CONDITIONS.
``(a) Discrimination Prohibited.--
``(1) Application of civil rights provisions.--Programs and
activities funded in whole or in part with funds made available
under this title (referred to in this paragraph as `prevention
programs and activities') are considered to be programs and
activities receiving Federal financial assistance for the
purpose of Federal laws relating to discrimination in programs
or activities. Subject to paragraph (2), entities that carry
out prevention programs and activities shall not discriminate
on the bases described in or in the manners prohibited under
section 40002(b)(13)(A) of the Violence Against Women Act of
1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(13)(A)).
``(2) Rule of construction.--The exception described in
section 40002(b)(13)(B) of the Violence Against Women Act of
1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(13)(B)) shall apply to any program or
activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available
under this title.
``(3) Enforcement.--The Secretary shall enforce the
provisions of paragraph (1) in accordance with section 602 of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d-1). Section 603
of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000d-2) shall apply with respect to any
action taken by the Secretary to enforce paragraph (1).
``(4) Construction.--This subsection shall not be construed
as affecting any legal remedy provided under any other
provision of law.
``(b) Nondisclosure of Confidential Information.--
``(1) In general.--In order to ensure the safety of adult,
youth, and child victims of family violence, domestic violence,
or dating violence, and their families, grantees and
subgrantees under this title shall protect the confidentiality
and privacy of persons receiving assistance or services.
``(2) Nondisclosure.--Subject to paragraphs (3) through
(5), the requirements under subparagraphs (A) through (G) of
section 40002(b)(2) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994
(34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(2)) shall apply to grantees and subgrantees
under this title in the same manner such requirements apply to
grantees and subgrantees under such Act.
``(3) Oversight.--Nothing in this subsection shall prevent
the Secretary from disclosing grant activities authorized in
this title to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and
Workforce of the House of Representatives and pursuant to the
exercise of congressional oversight authority. In making all
such disclosures, the Secretary shall protect the
confidentiality of individuals and omit personally identifying
information, including location information about individuals
and shelter facilities.
``(4) Preemption.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to supersede any provision of any Federal, State,
Tribal, or local law that provides greater protection than this
subsection for victims of family violence, domestic violence,
or dating violence.
``(5) Confidentiality of location.--The address or location
of any shelter facility assisted under this title that
otherwise maintains a confidential location shall, except with
written authorization of the person or persons responsible for
the operation of such shelter, not be made public.
``(c) Income Eligibility Standards.--No income eligibility standard
may be imposed upon persons with respect to eligibility for assistance
or services supported with funds under this title. No fees may be
levied for assistance or services provided with funds under this title.
``(d) Supplement Not Supplant.--Federal funds made available to a
State or Indian Tribe under this title shall be used to supplement and
not supplant any Federal, State, Tribal, and local public funds
expended to provide services and activities that promote the objectives
of this title.''.
SEC. 104. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
The Act is amended by repealing section 303 (42 U.S.C. 10403) and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 303. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Authorization.--
``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
to carry out sections 301 through 312 and 313C, other than
section 304(c), $270,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
through 2031.
``(2) Reservations for grants to tribes.--Of the amounts
appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, not less
than 12.5 percent shall be reserved and used to carry out
section 309.
``(3) Formula grants to states.--Of the amounts
appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year and not
reserved under paragraph (2) (referred to in this subsection as
the `remainder'), not less than 70 percent shall be used for
making grants under section 306(a).
``(4) Technical assistance and training centers.--Of the
remainder, not less than 6 percent shall be used to carry out
section 310.
``(5) Grants for state and tribal domestic violence
coalitions.--Of the remainder--
``(A) not less than 10 percent shall be used to
carry out section 311; and
``(B) not less than 3 percent shall be used to
carry out section 311A.
``(6) Specialized services.--Of the remainder, not less
than 5 percent shall be used to carry out section 312.
``(7) Culturally specific services.--Of the remainder, not
less than 2.5 percent shall be used to carry out section 313C.
``(8) Administration, evaluation, and monitoring.--Of the
remainder, not more than 3.5 percent shall be used by the
Se