Bill > HB180

This bill establishes a Gun Violence Victim Relocation Program within the Victim Services Unit of the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, designed to help victims of gun violence relocate to ensure their safety and well-being. The program will assist eligible individuals who have experienced gun violence near their home or live close to a suspected perpetrator by providing relocation support, including financial assistance for moving expenses, security deposits, and rent, as well as additional support services like counseling, legal assistance, and job training. To implement the program, a special Gun Violence Victim Relocation Program Fund will be created, which will receive state budget appropriations, private donations, and other funding sources. The Victim Services Unit will be responsible for managing the program, collaborating with other agencies, conducting community outreach, and protecting participants' confidentiality. An oversight commission will be established to ensure proper administration, and the unit must submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly detailing the program's effectiveness, including the number of individuals served and types of services provided. For fiscal year 2027, the bill mandates an initial appropriation of $10,000,000 to the fund, with the program set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0180?ys=2025RS