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The Latest
In this update from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions:
*
State
Advocacy:
Strengthening
protections
for
domestic
violence
victims,
microstamping,
and
limits
on
assault
weapons
*
You're
invited
to
listen
in
on
our
expert
panel
as
they
discuss
the
issue
of
political
violence
and
propose
solutions
*
Lori
Haas,
Advocacy
Manager,
honored
for
her
work
in
Virginia
*
Webinar:
Intimate
Partner
Violence
and
Guns
through
a
public
health
lens
with
Lisa
Geller
and
Spencer Cantrell

For the latest updates on our work, be sure to follow us on Twitter [[link removed]] , like our page on Facebook [[link removed]] , follow us on Threads [[link removed]] , and you can now check out the Center on Instagram [[link removed]] .

State Advocacy

Illinois

Safer States Initiative group, One Aim Il , [[link removed]] is working to clarify and strengthen the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and Firearm Restraining Order Act. Proposed changes would ensure firearms are removed when a judge finds that the respondent is subject to a firearm prohibition as part of an order of protection.

Learn more about Karina’s Law and add your voice to their advocacy efforts [[link removed] Bill One Pager.pdf?emci=1338ac3a-6cc0-ee11-b660-002248223197&emdi=b3515444-0ac1-ee11-b660-002248223197&ceid=286241]
by clicking here. [[link removed] Bill One Pager.pdf?emci=1338ac3a-6cc0-ee11-b660-002248223197&emdi=b3515444-0ac1-ee11-b660-002248223197&ceid=286241]

A bill has also been introduced to create a Microstamping Funding Program in Illinois. Microstamping is a ballistics technology that places a microscopic code on a discharged cartridge casing that allows law enforcement officers to quickly link cartridge cases found at crime scenes to the firearm from which they were discharged. It has the potential to allow police departments to quickly analyze evidence and develop leads, thereby solving more shootings and bring closure for victims of violence, their loved ones and communities.
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Learn more about microstamping [[link removed]]
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Texas

Director of Policy and Programming, Jen Pauliukonis, met with Texas Gun Sense [[link removed]] Executive Director Nicole Golden and Brady Senior Counsel of State and Federal Policy Tanya Schardt to plan for the 2025 Texas General Assembly session. Unlike most states, state legislators in Texas only convene in Austin every other year. Off years are a chance to take time to collaborate with coalition partners, building a movement through education and implementation.

Virginia

The Commonwealth’s General Assembly has heard dozens of bills related to gun violence since members convened in Richmond last month. Particular attention has been placed on assault weapons. Legislation has passed through both chambers to, among other things, prohibit the sale of assault weapons and ban the sale of “auto sears,” devices that convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm. Measures aimed at reducing firearm suicide have also passed, including instituting a five-day waiting period for purchase of a firearm and requirements for safe storage in homes with children and in vehicles. It is uncertain whether the Governor will sign any of the proposed legislation into law. Virginia’s General Assembly session ends March 10th.

Find out more about our Safer States Initiative and reach out to your local state group [[link removed]]

Join the Discussion: Protecting Free and Fair Elections
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Please join the Center’s Law and Policy Advisor, Tim Carey, as he discusses the threat of political violence with a panel of experts. The 2024 presidential campaign is well underway and protecting free and fair elections is essential to our democracy. Speakers will reflect on recent studies on threats made against elections officials, public polling regarding attitudes on the threat of political violence, and potential research-backed solutions to these problems.

Webinar Registration [[link removed]]

Lori Haas Honored for Virginia Advocacy

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The Center’s Advocacy Manager, Lori Haas, has been recognized as a 2024 YWCA Richmond Outstanding Woman in Law & Government [[link removed]] . Lori joined the gun violence prevention movement after her daughter was shot and survived the mass shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007. Since then, Lori has become a permanent fixture at the Virginia General Assembly, tirelessly advocating for legislative solutions to end gun violence in Virginia. She has had a special focus on prohibiting firearms in public places, establishing substantial risk orders, and protecting victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Lori was instrumental in passing bills to ensure that individuals subject to family abuse protective orders are prohibited from possessing a firearm and are required to relinquish any firearms in their possession. During the 2024 General Assembly Session Lori continues her advocacy, working with community organizations to strengthen and extend existing relinquishment requirements to ensure compliance and protect those in dangerous intimate partner relationships.

Intimate Partner Violence and Guns

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Senior Advisors for Implementation Lisa Geller and Spencer Cantrell will take part in a virtual seminar focusing on the intersection of intimate partner violence and guns from a public health perspective. Geller and Cantrell serve as co-leaders of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center and will discuss using ERPO as a resource for healthcare providers.

Questions about implementing ERPOs in your community?
Reach out to the team at [email protected] [[email protected]]

Virtual Seminar Registration [[link removed]]
News Highlights Featuring the Center

CBS News [[link removed]] : Johns Hopkins gun violence researchers urge policymakers to act on gun reform
Cass Crifasi, Center Co-Director, says Missouri's gun laws make it easier for everyone to get firearms, putting public safety at risk.

Virginia Mercury [[link removed]] : A safer Virginia Capitol and a stronger democracy: progress that needs protection
Advocacy Manager, Lori Haas, reflects on the effect of restricting firearms in Virginia’s legislative complex.

Reuters [[link removed]] : Michigan school shooter’s mother convicted of manslaughter
Josh Horwitz, Center Co-Director, discusses this landmark decision.

ABC [[link removed]] : Violence Interrupters bring hope to cities struggling with gun crimes
The Center’s evaluation of Baltimore’s Safe Streets program is cited.

WTOP [[link removed]] : Maryland Gov. Moore's bill to take a public health approach to gun violence gets a hearing in Annapolis
Jen Pauliukonis, Director of Policy and Programming, presents testimony in support of the establishment of a Center for Firearm Prevention.

Portland Herald Press [[link removed]] : Opinion: More must be done to improve Maine's yellow flag law
Josh Horwitz, Center Co-Director, argues for a stronger extreme risk protection (ERPO) law and firearm purchaser licensing in Maine.

Why I Give: Stories from Our Donors

"Preventing gun violence is a life-long passion of mine. My professional expertise is in federal government advocacy, and I have seen firsthand the impact of the public health model on issues once considered unmovable - including auto safety, tobacco, environmental pollution and many others. Johns Hopkins brings its unparalleled public health expertise to the gun violence issue and has already seen results. I am proud to lend my own time and resources to the Center's efforts knowing we are moving towards real solutions and reform."
-Grace Terpstra, Donor and Center Advisory Board Member

If you wish to support the Center, please visit our giving page [[link removed]] to make a contribution to help prevent gun violence!

DONATE [[link removed]]
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The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Baltimore, MD 21205
United States
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