Youth gun violence prevention program

(a)

In general

The Attorney General is authorized to award grants to eligible entities to carry out a program for youth gun violence prevention.(b)

Activities

Grants awarded under subsection (a) shall be used for the implementation of youth gun violence prevention programs that use strategies that are evidence-informed, culturally competent, trauma-informed, and linguistically and developmentally inclusive, and have a demonstrated ability to engage those at highest risk for involvement in gun violence and reduce their risk of violent victimization or engaging in violence, including strategies that—(1)prioritize healing from past trauma and other life experiences that increase a young person’s risk for involvement in gun violence;(2)promote youth empowerment through the development of skills and qualities such as empathy, pride in identity, leadership, conflict management, and communication;(3)connect young people to mental health professionals, counselors, mentors, community leaders, crisis intervention professionals, community violence interrupters, or individuals trained in trauma-informed care and activities;(4)foster meaningful community engagement, belonging, and the development of safe community environments;(5)develop and connect young people and their families with gun violence prevention resources, including but not limited to firearm safety education, safe storage techniques, and gun violence hotlines; and(6)promote resources that support the reintegration and resilience of young people with past exposure to gun violence or the juvenile justice system.(c)

Authorization of appropriations

Of the amounts otherwise appropriated for each of fiscal year 2026 though fiscal year 2030, for juvenile justice programs—(1)$100,000,000 shall be made available for grants under title V of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (34 U.S.C. note et seq.); and(2)$25,000,000 of the amount under paragraph (1) shall be made available to carry out a program for youth gun violence prevention.(d)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Eligible entity

The term eligible entity includes—(A)institutions of higher education;(B)Indian Tribe government agencies;(C)non-governmental organizations serving Indian Tribes;(D)community-based organizations; and(E)a local government agency that is not a law enforcement agency.(2)

Community-based organization

The term community-based organization includes a nonprofit community-based organization, a consortium of nonprofit community-based organizations, a national nonprofit organization acting as an intermediary for a community-based organization, or a community-based organization that has a fiscal sponsor that allows the organization to function as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.(3)

Indian Tribe

The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).(4)

Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101 under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (5)

Law enforcement agency

The term law enforcement agency means any agency of the United States, a State or unit of local government authorized by law or by a government agency to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, or investigation of any violation of criminal law.