Legislation and Public Policy

Legislation and Public Policy

The MNADV works with individuals, organizations, and government agencies to create systemic changes to improve survivor safety and increase abuser accountability. We work with law enforcement officers, prosecutors, court and parole and probation personnel, health care providers, social services workers, the faith community, and businesses. MNADV and these allies create and enhance legislation, policies, procedures, protocols, and services that improve the response to survivors and abusers, increase resources, and promote empowerment and self-sufficiency for victims/survivors. We also work to ensure that abusers are held accountable for their behavior.

State Legislative Activity

MNADV creates an annual legislative agenda. The Board of Directors approves these legislative priorities. The Board considers input from the Board’s Legislative Committee, domestic violence service providers, allied professionals, and survivors. We provide research and collaborate with other local and statewide groups. We also offer information to the public through the MNADV website, Facebook page, and media contacts.

MNADV advocates with legislative leaders and public officials. We coordinate with legislative sponsors and provide information as well as written and oral testimony to legislators during the Maryland General Assembly Session. The General Assembly runs for 90 days from January through April. MNADV also provides information to member programs and individual and organizational allies during the Session. Additionally, we monitor all bills related to domestic violence or which impact on domestic violence victims or abusers to ensure support for beneficial initiatives and opposition to detrimental ones.

Federal Legislative Activity

The MNADV works closely with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and other national organizations to advocate for federal funding for domestic violence services as well as legislation impacting survivors and abusers.