MS SB2618

Earmarks 10% of Mississippi's annual federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) allocation to fund gun violence victim services, administered by the State Department of Health starting July 1, 2021

Creates the Violence Intervention Program Grant Fund to support evidence-driven violence reduction and intervention strategies in communities with disproportionately high rates of homicides and violent crimes

Allows the State Department of Health to retain 3% of the Violence Intervention Program Grant Fund allocation for administrative expenses and to provide technical assistance to community-based gun violence intervention groups

Increases the state assessment on felony convictions from $280.50 to $400.00, with proceeds deposited into the General Fund (which supports the Violence Intervention Program Grant Fund)

Establishes the Violence Intervention Program Grant Fund as a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations, funded by federal VOCA grants, criminal assessments, legislative appropriations, and public/private donations