Community Violence Interdiction Grant Program.

Assembly Member Sharp-Collins, joined by eleven co-authors, proposes establishing the Community Violence Interdiction Grant Program to fund local initiatives addressing neighborhood and school violence. The California Health and Human Services Agency would administer competitive grants to support evidence-based programs, including focused gang deterrence, youth recreation activities during peak violence periods, trauma-informed school interventions, youth diversion programs, and school-based health centers.

The grant program prioritizes cities and jurisdictions experiencing disproportionate impacts from violence and gang activity, along with community organizations serving these areas. Applicants proposing trauma-informed interventions must demonstrate plans to reach traditionally underserved youth populations, including students who are low-income, homeless, immigrants, refugees, or involved with child protective or juvenile justice systems.

Funding for the program would derive from calculated savings generated by state prison closures. Beginning in July 2026, the Director of Finance and Legislative Analyst's Office would annually determine these savings, with the Controller transferring the certified amount to a newly created Community Violence Interdiction Grant Fund upon legislative appropriation. The Health and Human Services Agency must collaborate with stakeholders to implement the program across diverse geographic regions while maintaining focus on areas most affected by violence.