This bill establishes a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Justice, led by a Director appointed by the Attorney General. The office would coordinate existing federal gun violence prevention programs and initiatives across multiple Justice Department agencies, including the FBI, ATF, and offices dealing with violence against women and victims of crime. The Director would evaluate current laws and programs, develop data collection strategies to identify research gaps, recommend evidence-based policies to Congress and the President, and conduct public education campaigns on firearm safety and suicide prevention. Additionally, the office would help communities affected by shootings access mental health services, anti-trafficking support, and first responder training. The bill establishes an advisory council of federal officials and at least 12 additional members representing gun violence survivors, public health officials, law enforcement, educators, and veterans, with the council meeting at least quarterly. The legislation requires annual reports to Congress on gun violence and the office's activities, though it does not specify a budget amount and instead authorizes "such sums as are necessary."
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