HB 291-EXTENDING COUNCIL ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE  3:05:46 PM VICE CHAIR CLAMAN announced that the only order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 291, "An Act extending the termination date of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; and providing for an effective date." VICE CHAIR CLAMAN opened public testimony on HB 291. 3:06:53 PM MANDY COLE, Executive Director, Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE), discussed the importance of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) and the vital role it played in AWARE's work. She explained that the CDVSA primarily acted as a funding agency, providing AWARE with the funds to do its day-to-day work and ensure the safety of survivors. She said in terms of a granting partner, the CDVSA was uniquely positioned for its expertise on domestic violence and sexual assault, adding that its staff was incredibly understanding and knowledgeable. She pointed out that AWARE received funding from a variety of different agencies, many of which lacked the depth of knowledge that the CDVSA possessed. She shared an anecdotal example. 3:09:13 PM CHRISTINE PATE, Legal Program Director, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), spoke in support of HB 291 and the CDVSA's work, highlighting the critical role the council had in ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska. She shared personal anecdotes that illustrated ANDVSA's reliance on the council. She reported that the CDVSA provided over 50 percent of the funding for the legal program. Additionally, the CDVSA's support allowed for the development of a contract model, which increased the amount of people served by legal services. 3:12:13 PM VICE CHAIR CLAMAN thanked Ms. Pate for her mentorship. After ascertaining that no one else wished to testify, he closed public testimony and announced that HB 291 was held over. 3:13:06 PM ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committee, the House State Affairs Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 3:13 p.m.