Democratic Rep. Yvonne Hinson wants to test a pilot program aimed at preventing gun violence among youths after a similar effort stalled last Session.
Hinson‘s measure (HB 155) would create a Gun Violence Prevention Pilot Program located in Hinson’s hometown of Gainesville.[1]
The program would be developed and implemented by IMPACT GNV, a city of Gainesville initiative. The group would collaborate with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the State Attorney and the Public Defender of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. [2][3]
The program would offer several services, including individual, group and family therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, art and music therapy, substance abuse treatment, mediation training, and relationship restoration.
The bill identifies mental health challenges and unresolved conflicts as some of the main causes of gun violence and notes that it aims to provide tailored mental health services, as well as implement conflict resolution training in both schools and in the community.
The pilot program would be required to align with any existing local efforts and involve stakeholder consultations throughout the program’s rollout.
To be eligible, participants would need to be between the ages of 10 and 21, and at moderate or high risk of being a victim of gun violence, committing violent offences, or reentering the community from a residential program for delinquents. Family members of those accepted onto the pilot program are also able to participate.
In 2023, data shows firearms were the second leading cause of death among young people in Florida between the ages 1-17, according to the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.[4]
The proposed initiative would also teach resilience and leadership development, educational and vocational support, job training, apprenticeships and preparation for GEDs. Participants would be offered employment opportunities in high-risk or critical-need sectors.
Hinson filed an identical measure (HB 441) for the 2025 Legislative Session but withdrew the bill.[5][6]
If implemented, starting Oct. 31, 2027, the city of Gainesville and Alachua County would be required to submit annual reports to IMPACT GNV and the Department of Juvenile Justice providing details on participant numbers, impacts on gun violence rates, risk factor data and any participant feedback and recommendations.
IMPACT GNV would be responsible for submitting an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by Dec. 31. The program would expire June 30, 2030, and would appropriate $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to support its implementation.
References
- ^ HB 155 (www.flsenate.gov)
- ^ IMPACT GNV (www.gainesvillefl.gov)
- ^ Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (www.djj.state.fl.us)
- ^ John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (publichealth.jhu.edu)
- ^ identical (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ HB 441 (www.flsenate.gov)