Public health and safety; Violence Prevention Innovation Fund; State Department of Health; Committee; grants and pilot projects; effective date.
Impact
The introduction of this fund is a significant move to redirect state resources towards preventive measures rather than punitive ones, potentially resulting in fewer individuals becoming involved in the criminal justice system. By increasing funding to organizations that provide essential services to survivors and vulnerable populations, the bill intends to lessen the burden on the legal and correctional systems. The requirement for a Granting Committee to oversee the grant-making process further ensures that there will be accountability and transparency in how funds are utilized.
Summary
House Bill 2879 establishes the Violence Prevention Innovation Fund within the Oklahoma Department of Health to facilitate proactive measures aimed at reducing crime and enhancing community safety. This bill recognizes the relationship between victimization and criminal justice involvement and seeks to provide financial support to service providers working with survivors of violence and individuals at risk of criminal justice involvement. By allowing for grants to be awarded for pilot programs focused on trauma-informed care, alternatives to incarceration, and restorative practices, the bill aims to foster healing and wellness in impacted communities.
Contention
Notably, the bill aims to support historically disadvantaged groups, such as communities of color and tribal nations, which had previously faced barriers in access to state funding. However, aspects concerning eligibility for grants and the specific parameters for the operations of the Granting Committee may cause contention among stakeholders. Some critics may argue the need for more robust oversight, while proponents will assert the importance of such initiatives in mitigating the effects of violence on community members.
Workplace violence prevention; directing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to ensure all programs have certain plan. Effective date.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.