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, like our page on Facebook, follow us on Threads, and you can now check out the Center on Instagram.

Illinois 

Safer States Initiative group, One Aim Il, 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

by clicking here. 

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.  

Texas 

Director of Policy and Programming, Jen Pauliukonis, met with Texas Gun Sense 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. 

Join the Discussion: Protecting Free and Fair Elections

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. 

The Center’s Advocacy Manager, Lori Haas, has been recognized as a 2024 YWCA Richmond Outstanding Woman in Law & Government . 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. 

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]

CBS News: 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: 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: Michigan school shooter’s mother convicted of manslaughter 

Josh Horwitz, Center Co-Director, discusses this landmark decision.  

ABC: Violence Interrupters bring hope to cities struggling with gun crimes 

The Center’s evaluation of Baltimore’s Safe Streets program is cited.

WTOP: 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: 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. 

"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  to make a contribution to help prevent gun violence!  

The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
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