1. (a) The Center shall:

   1. (1) Work in consultation with the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy or any successor agency, the Maryland State Police, and any other relevant State or local agency to ensure a multidepartmental approach to reducing firearm violence;

   2. (2) Solicit and consider recommendations from:

      1. (i) Communities disproportionately impacted by firearm violence;
      2. (ii) Public health experts;
      3. (iii) Individuals or organizations with expertise in firearm safety and training; and
      4. (iv) Any other experts, groups, or organizations as the executive director determines appropriate and necessary; and

   3. (3)

      1. (i) On or before May 1, 2025, submit a preliminary State Plan for a Public Health Approach to Reducing Firearm Violence to guide the work of the Center to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly; and
      2. (ii) On or before May 1, 2029, and every 4 years thereafter, submit a State Strategic Plan for Firearm Violence Reduction Using Public Health Strategies to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.

2. (b) The Center may:

   1. (1) Offer training and technical assistance to State and local agencies, health care professionals, and community and faith-based organizations to increase capacity to implement evidence-based firearm violence prevention and intervention strategies;
   2. (2) Issue best practice guidance and model processes in consultation with affected communities regarding implementation of evidence-based firearm violence prevention and intervention strategies;
   3. (3) In consultation with the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy or any successor agency, facilitate cross-jurisdictional data and information sharing;
   4. (4) Conduct public awareness campaigns;
   5. (5) Share data and collaborate with higher education and research institutions regarding the prevention of firearm violence;
   6. (6) Promote the development of evidence-based firearm violence prevention initiatives in affected communities throughout the State; and
   7. (7) Engage in any other activity consistent with the Center's mission.

Added by Acts 2024, c. 706, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 707, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024. Amended by Acts 2026, c. 153, § 1, eff. April 14, 2026.