House approves definition of 'mass shooting' and directs state to seek federal funds for victim services

The House passed Senate Bill 59, which standardizes a state definition of mass shooting and directs state agencies to pursue federal grant funding for victim services and response. Under the legislation, a “mass shooting” is defined as an incident in which four or more people, excluding the shooter, are injured or killed by a firearm. The bill requires the Division of Criminal Justice and the Department of Public Safety to apply for and accept federal and other grants to bolster the state’s response, including support services for victims.

Sponsor Representative Ben Woodrow urged colleagues to adopt a consistent definition and to seek federal resources for trauma counseling, victim compensation and other services, noting the varying counts of incidents in national databases and the need for comparable state data. He said the measure would help communities access federal funds and ensure victims receive services regardless of how local jurisdictions categorize an event.

Floor debate included an amendment (L001) proposing that funding also be explicitly available for prevention efforts. The amendment was rejected in a recorded division vote. Supporters said the bill will improve data consistency and grant eligibility; opponents warned against a single tool‑focused response and urged attention to broader prevention strategies.

The House approved SB 59 on second reading and later passed the bill on final passage.