Maryland Bill to Create a Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention Heads to Governor’s Desk; Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond 

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Today, the Maryland chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement applauding Maryland lawmakers for sending SB475, a critical piece of legislation to create a Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention, to Governor Wes Moore’s desk for signature now that it has passed both chambers of the legislature.

“This is a victory for gun safety and a major step forward in ensuring that the crisis of gun violence is addressed from both a public health and public safety angle,” said Alison Rodner, a volunteer with the Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Since Governor Moore called for the creation of this office at the start of the legislative session, our gun sense champions in the House and Senate have been hard at work to make this a reality. We look forward to seeing this measure signed into law so that we can bring government leaders, public health officials, and community partners together to make Maryland safer.” 

“My generation is actively working on the frontlines to combat gun violence in our communities, and we’re grateful to have partners in our Maryland lawmakers who are creating a center to better support our efforts,” said Camila Manrique, a volunteer leader with University of Maryland Students Demand Action chapter. “We’ve been calling for our lawmakers to treat the gun violence crisis as one impacting both public safety and public health. With this new office, they’ve heard us loud and clear.” 

Ahead of the 2024 legislative session, Governor Moore called for the creation of a Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention under the Department of Public Health, which will increase collaboration between the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, The Maryland State Police, and other Maryland stakeholders. Lawmakers introduced bills in both the House and Senate, and now SB475 is headed for Governor Moore’s desk. We know that gun violence prevention requires a whole of government approach and the involvement of community partners, who will be brought together through this new Center. 

This office will also place an emphasis on supporting communities and community partners that are most exposed to gun violence and promote the development of evidence-based firearm violence prevention initiatives in affected communities. These community violence intervention programs are on the frontlines in the cities grappling with the highest rates of gun violence and communities experiencing the disproportionate impact of gun violence, providing lifesaving interventions that have been shown to make communities safer. 

In an average year, 796 people die by guns in Maryland and another 1,363 are wounded. Gun violence costs Maryland $10.5 billion each year, of which $383.9 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Maryland is available here.

To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out.