Community Justice celebrates 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 have tirelessly worked with Governor Moore’s office and state legislators to secure funding for community violence intervention work happening across the state. By championing the creation of this Center, we have empowered Maryland to tackle gun violence through a public health lens, saving countless Black and brown lives. 

About the Center

According to legislation SB0475/HB0583, the Maryland Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, will be housed Housed under the Department of Health, and aims to:

through a comprehensive public health approach.

The new Center will partner with federal, state, and local agencies to implement an evidence-driven, public-health-focused reduction strategy for firearm violence.

The Center will also seek recommendations from communities most affected by firearm violence, firearm safety organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to share effective strategies with policymakers.

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 supported include:

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: The 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/HB0583, the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention will commence operations on October 1, 2024, prioritizing the development of a preliminary plan by May 1, 2025, to guide its launch.  The Center will update its strategic plan every four years, beginning in 2029. Key next steps include building activists’ capacity by offering training and technical assistance to healthcare professionals, agencies, and community organizations on evidence-based prevention strategies. 

The Center will establish best practice guidelines through community consultation, 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. At the same time, the Governor may allocate annual state funding beginning in Fiscal Year 2026.