Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB2879

Introduced

2/1/21

Refer

2/2/21

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK LD2237

An Act to Strengthen Public Safety, Health and Well-being by Expanding Services and Coordinating Violence Prevention Resources

OK AB931

Community violence intervention and creation of the Office of Violence Prevention in the Department of Health Services. (FE)

OK SB901

Community violence intervention and creation of the Office of Violence Prevention in the Department of Health Services. (FE)

OK HB1008

Public health and safety; medical-legal partnership programs; State Department of Health; codification; effective date.

OK SB116

Workplace violence prevention; directing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to ensure all programs have certain plan. Effective date.

OK HB2737

Public safety; violence prevention; committee

OK HB4040

Public finance; Healthcare Safety Net Clinic Loan Guarantees; funding; procedures; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1625

Public health and safety; Oklahoma Public Health and Safety Expansion Act of 2021; effective date.

OK H0441

Gun Violence Prevention Pilot Program

OK HB05397

An Act Declaring Gun Violence A Public Health Crisis And Establishing The Office Of Gun Violence Prevention And Advisory Council On Gun Violence Prevention And Intervention.

Similar Bills

NJ AR96

Changes membership of Budget and Labor Committees; clarifies that bill or resolution may be listed on committee agenda for purposes of amendment.

MI HB4326

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.

MI HB4870

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.

MN HC6

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.