IL HR0836

The Public Safety and Violence Prevention Task Force held 11 meetings beginning October 25, 2021, and heard from violence prevention grant recipients of the Department of Human Services and Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

Between fiscal years 2018 and 2022, the Illinois General Assembly appropriated almost $450 million for violence prevention grants, with funding increasing further this year.

Calls for agencies to provide broader disclosure of non-legislated programs on budget forms, require data collection and evidence-based practices for grantees, and establish a publicly accessible searchable database of programs and funding by zip code.

Directs the Auditor General to perform a performance audit of violence prevention grant programs for Fiscal Years 2020-2023, examining grant purposes, monitoring practices, actual fund use, employee positions, program outcomes, compliance with laws and regulations, and whether Notices of Funding Opportunities drive effective violence prevention solutions.

Calls for establishment of a task force with experts in economics, public health, social work, law enforcement, and grant distribution to provide policy recommendations to the General Assembly.