The People’s Response Act: Shifting Crisis Response and Funding Away from Carceral Systems.
This Act establishes a new Division on Community Safety within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate and fund safety approaches disconnected from the criminal legal system (police, courts, prisons). Citizens can expect increased resources for mental health, unarmed crisis intervention, and investments in housing and infrastructure in high-need areas. The goal is to reduce contact with the criminal system and address the root causes of social issues.
Key points
Establishes a new Division on Community Safety within HHS to oversee and fund safety programs that are explicitly disconnected from carceral institutions like law enforcement and criminal courts.
Authorizes $13.5 billion in grants (FY 2024-2028) for community-based organizations, local governments, and states to fund qualified approaches, including unarmed crisis intervention, violence prevention, supportive housing, and reentry support.
Creates a Federal Health Response Unit to hire and train at least 5,000 personnel, including community health workers, to respond to public health emergencies, with a minimum wage of $17 per hour.
Requires grant recipients to conduct a 'safety needs assessment' and prioritize investments in communities disproportionately harmed by the criminal legal system and poverty.
Mandates the creation of a Community Advisory Board, including individuals with personal experience in the criminal legal system, to ensure the Division's activities reflect community needs and promote racial equity.
Expired
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