Establishes a task force to assess the public health impact of firearm violence and provides for the repeal thereof

4 Co-sponsors

• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Liz Krueger
• Kevin S. Parker
• Toby Ann Stavisky

BILL NUMBER:S812

Title of bill

An act to establish a task force to assess the public health impact of firearm violence and injury and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would create a task force of law enforcement and health care professionals to address firearm violence and injuries as a public health issue. The task force would focus specifically on the type of data and information currently compiled by law enforcement agencies and health care providers related to incidents of firearm violence and injury. The task force would also recommend any changes in those collection and reporting practices to produce a more uniform and coordinated statewide network of information on fire arm violence and injuries and report on any public health policies or strategies which might arise for a statewide information network focused on such violence and injuries. The task force would be required to report its findings by January 15, 2017 and the act will expire on February 1, 2017.

Justification

The US Surgeon General and the Center for Disease Control have designated violence as a high priority public health issue, and firearm violence and injury in particular is recognized as having reached epidemic proportions. A comprehensive and ongoing effort to collect and coordinate data and information from law enforcement agencies and health care providers is required if New York State is to adequately address firearm related violence and injury as a public health issue. Integrating the data collected by State and local law enforcement agencies and data collected by health care professionals will ensure full assessment of the consequences of firearm violence and injury. This bill would place New York State at the forefront of combating firearm violence and injury as a public health issue, providing for a plan to coordinate firearm crime and injury data on a statewide basis and providing a means to better evaluate various state policies designed to deter firearm violence and injury.

Prior legislative history

2013/14: S. 1161 Referred to Senate Committee on Health 2011/2012: A.895A/S.1166A Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and the Assembly Committee on Codes 2009/10: A.1030/S.391 2007/08: A.2067A/S.937A 2005/06: A.1395/5.708

Fiscal implications

Costs for reimbursement of task force members for expenses associated with their duties and DOH for administration of the task force. All costs to "sunset" with the task force in February 2017.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire on February 1, 2017 when it shall be deemed repealed.