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Senate committee advances pilot to fund trauma services for youth exposed to gun violence
Summary
AB 2247 would create a four‑county pilot to provide fast, no‑cost mental health services to youth affected by gun violence. Supporters said the program reduces bureaucratic barriers and improves timely care; members discussed county selection, eligibility and documentation rules. The committee passed the bill and re‑referred it (vote recorded 8‑0/8‑0 on call).
The committee advanced AB 2247, the Trauma, Healing and Resilience Investment pilot (the "Thrive Act"), which would fund rapid mental‑health services for children and youth up to age 25 affected by gun violence in a four‑county pilot.
Assemblymember El Hawari introduced the bill and said the pilot would reduce wait times, provide lists of local providers or peer specialists, and remove out‑of‑pocket and reimbursement barriers for survivors and witnesses. Gabriel Garcia of Youth Alive described community practice delivering free counseling and said a pilot could expand access statewide.
A survivor’s statement read into the record recounted a shooting experience and the difference counseling made in recovery. Supporters urged the committee to move the pilot forward while opponents and some members raised questions about limiting the pilot to shootings (versus other violent injuries), county selection, cost and whether the program should be folded into existing victim compensation structures.
Authors and sponsors said limited initial scope was intended to create a proof of concept and to avoid diverting scarce victim‑compensation funds; they also said the bill would not override mandatory reporting duties and would allow alternate verification from victim‑service organizations when police reports are absent.
Senators pressed the author on documentation and county choices; several suggested considering a five‑year sunset or phased reductions and pledged to support the bill with those considerations. The committee recorded favorable action and referred the bill to the judiciary committee.
