§ 13–5204
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 13-5204 (2026)
Title 13. Miscellaneous Health Care Programs
Subtitle 52. Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention
§ 13–5204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Center shall:
(1)
Work in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy or any successor agency, the Maryland State Police, and any other relevant State or local agency to ensure a multidepartmental approach to reducing firearm violence;
(2)
Solicit and consider recommendations from:
(i)
Communities disproportionately impacted by firearm violence;
(ii)
Public health experts;
(iii)
Individuals or organizations with expertise in firearm safety and training; and
(iv)
Any other experts, groups, or organizations as the executive director determines appropriate and necessary; and
(3)
(i)
On or before May 1, 2025, submit a preliminary State Plan for a Public Health Approach to Reducing Firearm Violence to guide the work of the Center to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly; and
(ii)
On or before May 1, 2029, and every 4 years thereafter, submit a State Strategic Plan for Firearm Violence Reduction Using Public Health Strategies to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
(b)
The Center may:
(1)
Offer training and technical assistance to State and local agencies, health care professionals, and community and faith–based organizations to increase capacity to implement evidence–based firearm violence prevention and intervention strategies;
(2)
Issue best practice guidance and model processes in consultation with affected communities regarding implementation of evidence–based firearm violence prevention and intervention strategies;
(3)
In consultation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy or any successor agency, facilitate cross–jurisdictional data and information sharing;
(4)
Conduct public awareness campaigns;
(5)
Share data and collaborate with higher education and research institutions regarding the prevention of firearm violence;
(6)
Promote the development of evidence–based firearm violence prevention initiatives in affected communities throughout the State; and
(7)
Engage in any other activity consistent with the Center’s mission.