This bill, titled the "School Violence Prevention Act," authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to award grants for establishing or expanding comprehensive school-based violence prevention programs. These programs are specifically designed to assist youth at the highest risk for involvement in gun violence within local communities and schools, including those funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. Grant funds will support the implementation of evidence-based, culturally competent, and trauma-informed strategies for students in kindergarten through 12th grade or youth younger than 19. Activities include promoting healthy development, healing from trauma, strengthening interpersonal skills, connecting youth to mental health professionals and mentors, fostering safe community environments, and lessening the harms of escalating violence. The grants also support technical assistance, community partnerships, and professional development for school staff in trauma support and mental health services. Eligibility for these 5-year, renewable grants requires a partnership between a State educational agency (working with local agencies in high-homicide or high-violence areas) and at least one community-based nonprofit organization. The bill mandates an evaluation process with outcome measures and regular reporting from grantees, with findings made publicly available. It authorizes an appropriation of $25,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2031 to carry out these vital prevention efforts.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Crime and Law Enforcement
School Violence Prevention Act
USA119th CongressHR-3968| House
| Updated: 6/12/2025
This bill, titled the "School Violence Prevention Act," authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to award grants for establishing or expanding comprehensive school-based violence prevention programs. These programs are specifically designed to assist youth at the highest risk for involvement in gun violence within local communities and schools, including those funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. Grant funds will support the implementation of evidence-based, culturally competent, and trauma-informed strategies for students in kindergarten through 12th grade or youth younger than 19. Activities include promoting healthy development, healing from trauma, strengthening interpersonal skills, connecting youth to mental health professionals and mentors, fostering safe community environments, and lessening the harms of escalating violence. The grants also support technical assistance, community partnerships, and professional development for school staff in trauma support and mental health services. Eligibility for these 5-year, renewable grants requires a partnership between a State educational agency (working with local agencies in high-homicide or high-violence areas) and at least one community-based nonprofit organization. The bill mandates an evaluation process with outcome measures and regular reporting from grantees, with findings made publicly available. It authorizes an appropriation of $25,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2031 to carry out these vital prevention efforts.