Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a bill into law to create a new statewide center to prevent gun violence, in response to a call from the White House for states to establish similar centers. This move comes after President Joe Biden’s creation of the federal office of gun violence prevention, overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris. The Center for Firearm Violence Prevention will work with federal and local agencies to address gun violence using a public health approach. Moore also signed two other measures related to guns into law, including one that allows state and local officials to hold members of the firearm industry accountable in civil court for failing to meet minimum standards to prevent harm.
In addition to the gun violence prevention measures, Governor Moore highlighted other public safety laws he signed into effect, including ones that honor the memory of Baltimore tech CEO Pava Marie LaPere, who was killed last year. One law prohibits individuals imprisoned for first-degree rape from receiving early release credits automatically for good behavior, after the man charged in LaPere’s killing was released early following a shortened sentence for a previous offense. Another bill creates a grant program for technology-based startups founded by students, in memory of LaPere. Moore also signed juvenile justice reforms aimed at improving accountability and rehabilitation in response to increasing crimes like auto theft and handgun violations in certain parts of the state.
The governor signed a package of public safety measures, including increasing apprenticeships in public safety to boost law enforcement numbers and compensating victims of crime. He also ensured a permanent funding source for the state’s mental health crisis helpline by adding a fee of 25 cents to cell phone bills. These measures aim to address various public safety concerns in Maryland and provide support for victims and those in crisis. Moore emphasized the importance of these laws in preventing future tragedies and promoting safety and accountability across the state.
Maryland is the first state in the nation to officially answer President Biden’s call to establish a statewide center for preventing gun violence. The Center for Firearm Violence Prevention will work in partnership with federal and local agencies to address the issue using a public health approach. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law, along with two other measures related to firearm accountability and banning certain trigger activators. These actions are part of a larger effort to reduce gun violence in Maryland and align with the Biden administration’s focus on supporting states in their efforts to combat gun violence.
Governor Moore also signed public safety measures in response to specific incidents, such as the killing of tech CEO Pava Marie LaPere. These laws aim to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again and honor the memory of those affected. Additionally, juvenile justice reforms were signed into law to improve rehabilitation and oversight in the system, particularly in response to recent spikes in crimes like auto theft and handgun violations. The governor emphasized the importance of these measures in addressing various public safety concerns and promoting accountability and rehabilitation in the state.
In addition to the gun violence prevention and public safety measures, Governor Moore signed a bill to increase apprenticeships in public safety to bolster law enforcement ranks and compensate victims of crime. He also secured a permanent funding source for the state’s mental health crisis helpline by adding a fee to cell phone bills. These actions reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing public safety in Maryland, with a focus on preventing violence, supporting victims, and improving rehabilitation efforts. Moore’s dedication to these issues highlights his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Maryland residents.
