Governor Doyle Signs Bill to Support Domestic Violence Nonprofits

On Nov 12, Governor Doyle signed into law AB-209, now Act 75, which authorizes counties to contribute to the capital improvements of domestic violence shelters and to fund nonprofits that provide assistance to low-income individuals or individuals who are victims of domestic violence and related crimes.

The measure was sought after the Marathon County Board acted to contribute funding for a local domestic violence shelter, but was prevented from doing so because of a legal opinion stating the county lacked statutory authority.

“Local victim service providers and county governments obviously have strong shared interests in addressing domestic violence, especially as the effects of abuse ripple through entire communities, adversely affecting safety and quality of life,” said Patti Seger, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV). “[This Act] gives counties another tool to partner with local victim advocates.” Bill History