Maryland § 13-5204

§ 13-5204.

    (a)    The Center shall:

        (1)    Work in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services 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, Youth, and Victim Services 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.