Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026," seeks to amend the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. It aims to improve services and interventions for victims of family, domestic, and dating violence. The legislation focuses on supporting States, territories, and Indian Tribes in providing accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant services. It also establishes or enhances various national resources, such as hotlines and resource centers. Additionally, the bill outlines new grant conditions regarding non-discrimination and the protection of confidential information.
Yes· 3 of 14
- Scored +8
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill strengthens the capacity of Indian Tribes and establishes dedicated resource centers for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.
- Scored +7
Would children be better off under this?
The bill prioritizes services and prevention for children and youth exposed to violence.
- Scored +7
Would women be better off under this?
The bill expands services and support for victims of domestic and dating violence.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill allows the Secretary to disclose certain grant activities to Congressional committees for oversight purposes.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Accessibility for Victims: The bill seeks to assist States, territories, and Indian Tribes in providing accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant residential and non-residential services to victims and their dependents (Section 101(b)(1)).
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Increased Tribal Sovereignty and Support: The bill aims to strengthen the capacity of Indian Tribes to exercise sovereign authority to respond to specified violence committed against Indians (Section 101(b)(2)).
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Enhanced Support for Underserved Populations: Provisions are made to support efforts to address the needs of victims who are underserved or face obstacles to accessing services (Section 101(b)(4)). This includes specific resources for those with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency (Section 109(b)(1)(vi)).
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Protection of Privacy: The bill mandates that grantees protect the confidentiality and privacy of persons receiving assistance or services to ensure the safety of adult, youth, and child victims (Section 103(b)(1)).
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Financial Accessibility for Assistance: The bill prohibits the imposition of income eligibility standards or the levying of fees for assistance or services supported by these funds (Section 103(c)).
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Expanded Hotline Capabilities: The bill expands national hotlines to include digital services, providing more ways for people to access help through electronic communications (Section 115(a)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential Loss of Privacy via Oversight: While the bill mandates confidentiality, it specifies that the Secretary may disclose grant activities to specific Congressional committees for oversight purposes, which includes the omission of personally identifying information (Section 103(b)(2)(3)).
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Limitations on Service Continuity: The Secretary is granted the authority to waive program requirements, including match requirements, during major disasters or public health emergencies to ensure continuity of program activities (Section 105(a)(6)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill strengthens the capacity of Indian Tribes and establishes dedicated resource centers for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Would children be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes services and prevention for children and youth exposed to violence. Would women be better off under this? — The bill expands services and support for victims of domestic and dating violence. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill ensures services are available without income eligibility standards or fees. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill emphasizes accessibility and specialized services for individuals with disabilities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill includes specific funding and demonstration projects targeting teen dating violence. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill explicitly includes protection for elderly persons within the definition of family violence. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill's focus on digital services and hotlines provides increased accessibility for residents in various environments.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill provides specific resources and training for Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Tribal communities to reduce disparities. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill mandates accessibility standards for digital services and supports specialized assistance for persons with disabilities. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill prohibits imposing income eligibility standards or fees for the assistance and services provided.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill expands national hotlines to include digital services and internet-based support platforms.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill allows the Secretary to disclose certain grant activities to Congressional committees for oversight purposes.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill directs funds toward addressing the mental health and substance use needs of victims of violence.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill allocates hundreds of millions of dollars toward social service infrastructure and victim support.
- 2/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware