People's Response Act: Funding Alternatives to Policing and Incarceration.
This Act establishes a new Division on Community Safety within the Department of Health and Human Services to promote non-punitive, evidence-informed approaches to public safety. Citizens will see increased funding for community-led violence prevention, crisis intervention, housing security, and mental health services, aiming to reduce reliance on law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The legislation prioritizes support for communities disproportionately harmed by mass incarceration and police violence.
Key points
Establishes the Division on Community Safety within HHS to coordinate and fund non-punitive, alternative approaches to public safety.
Provides grants to community-based organizations, local governments, and states for programs like unarmed crisis intervention, violence interruption, supportive housing, and mental health services.
Allocates funds for hiring and training 'First Responders' focused on community crisis response and violence prevention, distinct from traditional law enforcement.
Requires local government grant recipients to conduct safety needs assessments, ensuring community input, especially from those impacted by the criminal legal system.
Introduced
Citizen Poll