Tennessee House Bill HB1845

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/24/24
• Refer: 3/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to the Tennessee violence intervention program.

Impact

The primary impact of HB1845 lies in the creation of funding opportunities for municipalities, nonprofit health agencies, law enforcement, and other organizations to develop violence reduction strategies. These strategies might include hospital-based intervention programs and community outreach initiatives intended to provide targeted support to victims affected by violence. The emphasis on effective allocation of funds seeks to ensure that programs are both impactful and transparent, ultimately aiming to reduce the rates of homicides and violent crime across Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 1845 proposes the establishment of the Tennessee violence intervention program aimed at reducing community violence through evidence-based initiatives. The bill mandates the creation of a new chapter in the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting high-risk individuals and communities disproportionately affected by violence. The initiative would be administered by the Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Criminal Justice Programs.

Contention

While the bill's goal to create a structured violence intervention program is generally supported, points of contention might arise regarding the criteria for funding and the effectiveness of such programs in addressing deeper societal issues. Critics may debate the adequacy of interventions and funding to make a significant difference in chronic violent crime areas. Additionally, ensuring that funds are not merely supplementary to existing state or local budgets could be a concern, as stakeholders look for accountability and measurable outcomes from grant recipients.