The Newsletter [[link removed]]
Community Justice celebrates the establishment of the Maryland Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, signed into law by Governor Wes Moore!
Here's what you need to know:
Background
Change at the top begins with community leaders. Along with local partners, we have long advocated for sustainable funding and comprehensive policies to combat gun violence in Maryland. We’ve tirelessly worked with Governor Moore’s office and legislators to secure support for community violence intervention work happening in communities across the state and championed the creation of this Center, a remarkable step towards empowering Maryland to tackle gun violence through a public health lens and saving countless Black and brown lives.
About the Center
According to legislation SB0475 [[link removed]] / HB0583 [[link removed]] , the Maryland Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, will be housed Housed under the Department of Health, and aims to:
Reduce firearm violence
Prevent firearm misuse
Minimize associated harms
through a comprehensive public health approach.
The Center may partner with federal, state, and local agencies to implement an evidence-driven, public-health-focused reduction strategy for firearm violence.
The Center may also seek recommendations from: communities most affected by firearm violence, firearm safety organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to share effective strategies.
In partnership with Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence and the Maryland Violence Prevention Coalition, Community Justice championed the passing of this bill.
Other community partners that shared their support included:
The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI)
Center for Criminal Justice Reform
University of Baltimore School of Law
Rebuild, Overcome and Rise (ROAR) Center
University of Maryland

Timeline of Events
September 7th, 2023: Alongside the Maryland Violence Prevention Coalition, Community Justice proposed an Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) to Governor Moore’s team and discussed the need for continued funding and an OVP to support community violence efforts across Maryland, while advocating for the Department of Health to house the Center.
November 2023: Bill was adopted by the Governor.
January 4, 2024: Our advocates met with the Governor's office to talk through bill language.
January 8, 2024: We attended the Governor’s public safety package announcement alongside our partner, Corey Winfield of Safe Streets Baltimore.
February 8, 2024: The Maryland legislative group met with Chair Clippinger to discuss support for the Center bill among other gun violence prevention bills.
February 9, 2024: Community Justice’s Tarria Stanley testified before the House Judiciary Committee in favor of the bill.
February 29, 2024: Community Justice’s Tarria Stanley testified before the Senate Finance Committee in favor of the bill.
Next Steps
According to legislation SB0475 [[link removed]] / HB0583 [[link removed]] , The Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention will take effect October 1, 2024, prioritizing the development of a preliminary plan by May 1, 2025, to guide its launch, followed by a strategic plan every four years starting in 2029. Key next steps include building capacity by offering training and technical assistance to healthcare professionals, agencies, and community organizations on evidence-based prevention strategies.
The Center may establish best practice guidelines through community engagement, facilitate cross-jurisdictional data sharing and academic research partnerships, and execute public awareness campaigns to educate Marylanders on firearm safety. Funding will be pursued via federal grants and other sources, while the Governor may allocate annual state funding beginning in Fiscal Year 2026.
Want to learn more? Join us tomorrow at 3pm EST on our Instagram as we celebrate with Policymaker for Peace Delegate Nicole Williams! [[link removed]]
Contact Us
[email protected]

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