Family Law - Victims of Domestic Violence Program - Certification and Grant Fund

This bill establishes a certification requirement for domestic violence programs in Maryland, mandating that they be approved by the federally recognized State domestic violence coalition to operate as comprehensive programs. It creates a special, nonlapsing grant fund within the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services to provide financial support to these certified public and private nonprofit organizations. The fund will be used to cover program operations and establish additional shelters, with interest earnings automatically added to the fund to ensure its growth. Additionally, the legislation sets standards for program supervision and evaluation while allowing the state to seek funding from federal, local, and private sources.