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r �2$ April 18, 2023 SGVCOG The Honorable Thomas J. Umberg OFFICERS Chair, Senate Committee on Judiciary President 10210 Street, Suite 6730 Becky shevlin Sacramento, CA 95814 I"Vice President Tim Hepburn Subject: Support Letter SB 331 (Rubio) Piqui's Law: Keeping Families Safe from 2'Vice President Violence Act Ed Reece 3rd Vice President Dear Chair Umberg, April Verlato 1%UMSERS On behalf of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG)I write to you in Alhambra support of Senate Bill 331 (Rubio). Piqui's Law is named after a 5-year-old boy who was Arcata murdered by his father on April 21, 2017. Piqui's mother Ana Estevez had fought in the Baldwin Park California family court to protect her child from her abusive ex-husband, Piqui's father. Bradbury Despite her efforts, the family court refused to implement supervised visitation, which led Claremont to her son's tragic death. Covina DiamondBar In 2018, the California State Assembly adopted House Resolution 113 (Rubio), which Duarte El Monte stated that a) all court-related professionals should be trauma-informed and trained in Glendora recognizing, evaluating, and understanding evidence and the impacts of domestic violence Industry and child abuse; b) a court reporter should record all hearings in domestic violence and Irwindale contested custody cases, and all litigants should have access to the court records; and c) La CanadaFlintridge when a child witnesses domestic violence or is injured or abused, family courts should La Puente La Verne ensure that the safety of the child has priority over all other considerations in any custody Monrovia or visitation decision. The SGVCOG Governing Board was made aware of this tragic story Montebello and adopted a resolution in support of the House Resolution,which you can find attached. Monterey Park Pasadena In March of 2022, President Joe Biden signed the reauthorization of Violence Against Pomon ad Women's Act (VAWA), which included new provisions to improve child safety laws in San Dimas family court. Under this legislation, federal funding is allocated to states that adopt child San Gabriel custody and domestic violence statutes to further prioritize child safety as outlined in San Marina VAWA. If passed, California may become eligible to receive millions of dollars in federal Sierra Madre funding over the next 5 years. South El Monte South Pasadena TenWle city Senate Bill 331 will institute improved, mandatory judicial training and reporting, ban Walnut certain court-ordered programs, limit testimony in similar cases to expert witnesses, and West Covina prioritize child safety and well-being. It will also make California eligible for additional First District,LA County grant funding through the United States Department of Justice's STOP Violence Against Unincorporated Communities Fifth District,LA county Women Formula Grant Program, as appropriated for states that meet the requirements of Unincorporated Communities the VAWA. SGV water Districts For these reasons and given our previously adopted resolution supporting similar provisions related to child welfare and judicial procedures,the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments is proud to support this critical bill. The item will be formally San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments 1333 S. Mayflower Avenue, Suite 360,Monrovia CA 91016