Mendelson’s evidence‑based gun‑violence bill draws support from experts, caution from city agencies

Chairman Phil Mendelson framed his Evidence Based Gun Violence Reduction and Prevention Act (B26‑52) as a multi‑pronged effort to reduce violent crime. The bill would establish a group‑violence intervention initiative patterned on focused‑deterrence models, authorize property remediation to address criminal blight, permit civilian investigators in certain roles, and require an amendment to DC’s Medicaid plan to cover community violence prevention services.

David Kennedy, who helped develop the Operation Ceasefire model in Boston, testified in support and described the program’s components: sustained political leadership, institutionalized coordination among law enforcement, community organizations and social‑service providers, and focused outreach to small networks driving violence. “Group violence intervention is the best thing we know how to do right now that produces large and rapid reductions in violence,” he told the committee.

The deputy mayor and HCEMA director applauded prevention priorities but told the committee they opposed Title I as written, saying it would create overlapping governance and “add needless ambiguity” to existing bodies such as the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. The executive urged strengthening current programs and promised a task‑force review to align city efforts. Chairman Mendelson and several witnesses said legislative authority was needed to assure consistent funding and to mandate some implementation rules the executive had not adopted.

The committee asked agencies and community partners to provide follow‑up material, including how the proposed initiative would differ from existing city programs and whether Medicaid‑waiver pathways could be pursued to fund hospital‑ and community‑based violence interventions.