The proposed bill establishes the Gun Violence Prevention Pilot Program under a new section, 394.4997, of the Florida Statutes. This program, developed and implemented by IMPACT GNV in collaboration with local entities, aims to address the disproportionate impact of gun violence on individuals under 21 years of age. The program will provide mental health services, community-based interventions, conflict resolution training, and alternatives to incarceration for eligible youth, specifically those at moderate or high risk of gun violence involvement. The bill emphasizes the importance of mental health and conflict resolution education as key components in mitigating gun violence among young people.
Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting requirements for both the City of Gainesville and IMPACT GNV, detailing participant data, the program's impact on gun violence rates, and recommendations for improvement. The program is set to receive an appropriation of $500,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support its implementation, and it is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2030. The act is intended to take effect on July 1, 2026.