Bill Overview
Title: POWER 2.0 Act
Description: This act 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: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Target Audience
Population: people impacted by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The bill aims to enhance pro bono legal services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
- It directly addresses the empowerment and representation of these survivors.
- Global and US figures indicate millions of individuals experience these forms of violence and would benefit from increased legal support.
- In 2018, the WHO estimated that about 30% of women globally experience some form of intimate partner violence during their lifetimes.
- In the US, the CDC estimates that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury or fearfulness.
Reasoning
- The target population comprises individuals impacted by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, encompassing both genders but with a higher proportion of women.
- With a $5 million initial budget, the reach might be limited to large urban centers where events can impact a higher number of affected individuals.
- People outside major cities or those less likely to attend such events due to constraints (e.g., lack of transportation, fear) might remain unimpacted.
- The policy intends to create awareness and provide legal support which could significantly boost the wellbeing of impacted individuals by providing them with tools and confidence to seek justice.
- Some people may not experience direct benefits, especially those with existing adequate legal support.
- Chronic underreporting and social stigma around these crimes may limit the effectiveness of awareness initiatives alone.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think having more awareness and support for survivors is critical. Knowing there's a consistent effort to promote legal aid gives me some peace of mind.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important for men like me to know there's help available too. Pro bono events could help more people come forward and get help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Paralegal (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ongoing push for free legal support is definitely positive. It changes lives and makes a real difference for many.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Nurse (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though this law doesn't affect me directly, I believe it's a huge step for our community. Everyone deserves protection.
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 |
Lawyer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act will be crucial in coordinating efforts and guiding survivors to us, the legal aids. It won't cover everyone but it's a good start.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Social Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful that this will bring more resources into our neighborhoods. However, how it gets implemented will determine its success.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Rural Iowa)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm quite removed from these issues, but knowing there are efforts to support those in need feels right. However, rural areas still need more focus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Service Industry (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I haven't known where to go for help... if there's more outreach with this policy, it could be life-saving for people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More legal guidance would definitely help, especially on campuses where people often remain silent.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might not be impacted directly, but supporting this act means supporting countless others in dire situations. It's essential right now.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5100000 (Low: $3060000, High: $7140000)
Year 3: $5202000 (Low: $3121200, High: $7282800)
Year 5: $5408080 (Low: $3244848, High: $7571312)
Year 10: $5940028 (Low: $3564017, High: $8316040)
Year 100: $9922430 (Low: $5953458, High: $13850776)
Key Considerations
- There exists a foundational requirement already established that simply needs to be maintained or gradually expanded.
- Judicial districts vary in size and resources; costs may vary depending on the district size and regional needs.
- The bill supports broader access to justice, aligning with federal goals to protect and empower vulnerable populations.