H.R.3968 - School Violence Prevention Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3968, the School Violence Prevention Act, aims to establish comprehensive school-based violence prevention programs. It authorizes grants to eligible entities for assisting youth at the highest risk of involvement in gun violence. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to facilitate these programs and allocates $25 million annually from 2025 through 2031.
Expected Effects
The bill would likely lead to increased funding for school-based violence prevention programs. This could result in reduced gun violence among youth and improved mental health support in schools. It also emphasizes evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches.
Potential Benefits
- Provides resources for schools to implement evidence-based violence prevention programs.
- Focuses on early intervention and support for at-risk youth.
- Promotes community engagement and partnerships to address violence.
- Increases access to mental health services and trauma support for students and school personnel.
- Requires data collection and evaluation to ensure program effectiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse or ineffective implementation of grant funds.
- Possible bureaucratic hurdles in establishing and managing the programs.
- Concerns about data privacy and security related to student information.
- Risk of programs not being culturally competent or relevant to specific communities.
- Limited funding may not adequately address the scope of the problem.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting public safety and well-being. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights, such as those protected by the First, Second, or Fourth Amendments, as it focuses on prevention and support rather than restriction or punishment. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this bill operates through grants to state and local educational agencies, which is a permissible form of federal action.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).