Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1221

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/24
• Refer: 4/11/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Violence prevention grants and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The enactment of AB1221 is expected to have significant implications for state funding distribution related to public health initiatives, particularly in violence prevention. By earmarking funds for local entities, the bill aims to empower communities directly engaged in tackling violence through tailored programs, enhancing the focus on local public health needs.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1221 establishes a program to provide violence prevention grants funded through excise taxes on vapor products. The bill authorizes the Department of Health Services (DHS) to distribute these funds to local health departments or tribal health centers for conducting violence prevention programs. It also increases the authorized positions at DHS to administer this program, with designated funding for the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25, amounting to $30,000 and $120,000 respectively.

Contention

A notable point of contention in the discussions around AB1221 is its prohibition against local health departments and tribal health centers from awarding grants to law enforcement agencies or any entities connected to them. Critics may argue that this restriction could limit collaborative efforts between health and law enforcement in addressing violence, whereas proponents contend it ensures that the funding remains devoted solely to preventive measures without influence from enforcement agendas. This could lead to a divergence in how communities address violence based on their existing relationships with law enforcement.