Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a pilot program in Minnesota to reduce trauma resulting from gun violence and address the root causes of such violence. It seeks to support high-risk individuals and communities affected by gun violence through community-based initiatives and education campaigns.

Main Provisions

• Community Investments: The bill proposes investing in community-based organizations to provide healing services and training using innovative or evidence-based practices for addressing gun violence and associated trauma.

• Stabilization Services: It plans to train community members as trauma navigators. These navigators will use trauma-informed care to help families stabilize after experiencing gun violence, offering access to essential services like childcare, housing, mental and physical health services, economic support, and education.

• Reintegration Support: The program will also focus on education for families affected by gun violence, teaching self-advocacy, reintegration into the community, maintaining healthy relationships, and obtaining professional services for healing.

• Educational Campaigns: Developing and implementing culturally appropriate education campaigns and outreach materials in multiple languages to raise awareness about the relationship between gun violence and trauma using nonviolent language.

• Guidelines and Protocols: The commissioner of health will, with the help of an advisory panel, develop guidelines for resources and training for professionals, responses to gun violence by governments, and strategies for addressing community, domestic, and other forms of gun violence.

Advisory Panel

The bill mandates the creation of a ten-member advisory panel to assist in developing program guidelines and protocols. These individuals will have expertise in areas like trauma, trauma-informed care, healing, financial skills, and access to resources. The panel will meet monthly and members will receive compensation for their work.

Reporting and Funding

• Progress Report: By February 1, 2027, a report on the pilot program’s progress in reducing trauma and addressing the root causes of gun violence must be submitted to the legislative committees in charge of health and public safety.

• Appropriation: The bill allocates $5,000,000 from the general fund for the fiscal year 2026 towards this pilot program, with funds available until June 30, 2028.

Relevant Terms

• Gun violence
• Trauma-informed care
• Community-based organizations
• Stabilization services
• Reintegration services
• Trauma navigators
• Education campaigns
• Advisory panel