House Bill 432 established a violence prevention advisory fund and grant program. The establishment of this fund and advisory council will significantly aid local governments, county health officers, and their partners, in their violence prevention efforts. This bill creates a $5 million fund to support evidence-based, public health-centered attempts to develop community-based anti-violence strategies.

MACo submitted written testimony in support of HB 432 to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on March 27, 2018. The bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 130-5.

From MACo Testimony:

The dedicated, structured, and collective effort the bill provides is key to finding solutions to the violence that is unfortunately plaguing some county neighborhoods. Inadequate funding hinders local governments’ efforts. Funding awarded through this program covers a minimum of three consecutive years and allows local government grantees to make valuable headway without fear of having to end a program prematurely due to inadequate funding or support.

Additionally, the scientific research and data required to obtain funding through this program will help provide insight into the root causes of violence in a community and guidance on how the problem can be tackled. Independent third-party evaluation of the programs that receive funding helps ensure that resources are not squandered, programs are kept accountable, and goals are met.

HB 432 provides local governments with funding and support to confront the public health impacts of violence on their communities.”

For more on this and other legislation, follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2018 legislative session here.