Bill Overview
Title: POWER 2.0 Act
Description: This bill makes permanent the requirement for the chief judge of each federal judicial district to lead, at least annually, a public event to promote pro bono legal services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The requirement was enacted in 2018; it is scheduled to sunset after a four-year period.
Sponsors: Rep. Peltola, Mary Sattler [D-AK-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill focuses on promoting pro bono legal services.
- Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking are directly mentioned as the beneficiaries.
- These issues affect individuals globally, transcending borders, but the legal framework is specific to the U.S.
Reasoning
- The target population is survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking within the U.S.
- The policy is likely to directly benefit individuals who have survived these situations, potentially improving their access to justice and wellbeing.
- The policy budget and size limits suggest an incremental impact that will likely increase over time, reflecting gradual increase in service uptake.
- Not everyone in the U.S. population will be affected, as the policy is targeted specifically at survivors seeking legal services.
- There will be a varied impact based on the survivor's location, socio-economic status, and the accessibility of events organized by the judicial district.
Simulated Interviews
Retail Manager (Houston, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I didn't have the resources to hire a lawyer when I needed one.
- It would have been a huge relief to know about free legal services.
- I think this policy is a great way to help people in situations like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe awareness of pro bono services is crucial.
- When my sister needed help, finding a lawyer was tough and expensive.
- More awareness through this policy might have helped her earlier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Social Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could significantly impact my clients.
- Access to pro bono lawyers can empower them to take necessary legal steps.
- The annual events are a great initiative for raising awareness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increasing support for pro bono work aligns with our firm's mission.
- This policy could increase the demand for services and awareness.
- I see positive long-term effects on communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Clerk (Seattle, WA)
Age: 51 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I saw the difficulties victims face in court firsthand.
- Pro bono help would have made a difference in the outcome.
- It's crucial for many to have this kind of legal representation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Events raise awareness among survivors who often don't know their options.
- It's important that people realize legal help is available for them.
- I'm excited about the engagement this policy could bring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Farmer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 64 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Accessing legal help was nearly impossible for me back then.
- Today, I wish others in my position have better support than I did.
- Awareness and availability of services in rural areas are crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Police Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support anything that helps victims get the justice they deserve.
- This policy can complement police work by providing courts with better cases.
- More support for victims can lead to more effective law enforcement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Freelance Artist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 41 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- LGBTQ+ survivors often face additional barriers in accessing justice.
- This policy can help bridge gaps for marginalized communities.
- It's important to ensure all community segments benefit from this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Journalist (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increasing visibility and support for pro bono services is vital.
- The policy can generate interest and change public perspectives.
- It offers opportunities to highlight stories of resilience and justice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy has a significant social impact by enhancing legal service access for vulnerable groups.
- Integration with existing judicial processes minimizes additional costs.
- Indirect benefits include improved safety and societal well-being for survivors.