The Dominican Senate has approved on second reading a bill amending Law 60-23, which governs the administration of seized, confiscated, and abandoned assets in criminal proceedings and asset forfeiture cases. The proposal reallocates proceeds from these assets to strengthen government programs focused on preventing and addressing gender-based and domestic violence.
The legislation modifies Article 82 of Law 60-23 by adding a new provision and two supplementary paragraphs. It also reinforces the framework governing the National Institute for the Custody and Administration of Seized, Confiscated and Asset Forfeiture Property, whose governing board is chaired by the Ministry of Finance.
Resources to Support Victims and Prevention Programs
Under the approved amendments, the Public Prosecutor’s Office will coordinate with the Ministry of Women, the Ministry of Interior and Police, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant government agencies to strengthen prevention efforts, institutional response, victim protection, and comprehensive support services for survivors of gender-based and domestic violence.
The proposal gives priority to financing shelters for victims and behavioral intervention centers for men involved in cases of gender violence or attempted femicide.
The initiative, introduced by senators Pedro Catrain, Lía Ynocencia Díaz Santana, Aracelis Villanueva Figueroa, María Mercedes Ortiz, and Ginnette Bournigal de Jiménez, establishes that 40% of the redistributed resources will be allocated to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to coordinate and strengthen programs related to prevention, victim protection, comprehensive assistance, and institutional response.
The remaining 60% will be distributed among the Ministry of Women, the Ministry of Interior and Police, the Ministry of Education, and other competent institutions according to their legal responsibilities and public policy programs, with the goal of ensuring coordinated and efficient use of the funds.
Additional Measures Approved by the Senate
During the same extraordinary session, senators also approved on final reading legislation declaring May 16 as the National Day of Dominican Suffragists. The initiative seeks to preserve the historical legacy of the Dominican suffrage movement while promoting civic education, democratic participation, and gender equality in political life.
The legislation provides for annual official events, educational conferences, seminars, and public awareness campaigns highlighting the women’s suffrage movement and recognizing women who have made significant contributions to public service, politics, academia, the arts, and Dominican historiography.
Lawmakers also approved on second reading a bill amending Law 4463, establishing that the transfer of distinguished individuals to the National Pantheon must be authorized through legislation.
In addition, the Senate approved legislation declaring the Mangulina, a traditional Dominican musical genre and dance, as part of the country’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Senators also passed on first reading a bill to designate the highway connecting Hato Mayor del Rey and the municipal district of El Puerto as the “Carretera de la Altagracia.”
In a separate resolution approved during the session, the Senate recognized Iván Ernesto Gatón Rosa for his contributions to education, culture, and national civic awareness.