An Act supporting survivors through financial assistance

HD 3719 establishes the Flexible Assistance for Survivors (FAS) pilot grant program to provide direct cash assistance to survivors of violence and their families. The program, administered by the Department of Public Health, funds community-based organizations to distribute flexible cash payments (e.g., prepaid cards, checks, or direct deposits) to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide, firearm injuries, and other specified violence, including family members who witnessed such acts. Eligible organizations must serve survivors directly, with priority given to those working with disproportionately impacted groups like survivors of color, undocumented individuals, people with disabilities, and those facing homelessness. The bill mandates an advisory committee including survivor voices to streamline applications and reduce paperwork burdens for grant recipients.