Sponsors (31)
The bill directs targeted federal funding and evidence-based supports to prevent youth gun violence and strengthen school/community mental-health capacity, at the cost of modest federal spending, reduced funds for direct services due to evaluation/admin set-asides, and potential exclusion or administrative strain for some communities.
Students at highest risk for gun violence receive multi-year federal grants to implement comprehensive, evidence-based school prevention programs (up to 5 years), increasing direct support to those most vulnerable.
Students and school staff gain expanded access to mental-health services, trauma-informed supports, and social-emotional learning through funded professional development for educators.
Local communities benefit from strengthened partnerships and community-based interventions (including violence interrupters), which aim to reduce youth gun violence beyond the school environment.
Taxpayers fund approximately $25 million per year (FY2025–2031) for this program, increasing federal spending and creating potential opportunity costs for other priorities.
Grantees may need to devote up to 20% of awards to evaluation (plus up to 5% reserved for independent research/administration), reducing funds available for direct services to students and communities.
Small local education agencies and community nonprofits could face increased administrative and reporting burdens (data disaggregation, evaluations), straining capacity to apply for and manage grants.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes HHS grants to establish or expand school- and community-based violence-prevention programs serving K–12 students and youth under 19 at highest risk of gun violence.
Introduced June 12, 2025 by Jahana Hayes · Last progress June 12, 2025
Creates a federal grant program through the Public Health Service Act for eligible entities to establish or expand school- and community-based violence prevention programs that serve K–12 students and youth under 19 who are at highest risk of involvement in gun violence. Grants may fund evidence-based, culturally and developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed prevention activities, partnerships, training for school staff, technical assistance, and data collection; the Department of Health and Human Services administers the program in consultation with the Department of Education. Also includes a non-substantive provision setting a short title and makes conforming renumbering changes inside the Public Health Service Act.