HB 3700

Abstract

Creates the Community Violence Intervention Workforce Development Act. Provides that the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention within the Department of Human Services shall establish the Community Violence Intervention Workforce Development Workgroup. Provides that the members of the Workgroup, other than the General Assembly members, shall be appointed by the Assistant Secretary of Firearm Violence Prevention, or the Assistant Secretary's designee. Provides that the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention shall convene a group of experts in the field of community violence intervention and conduct meetings and analysis as the Community Violence Intervention Workforce Development Workgroup. Provides that the Community Violence Intervention Workforce Development Workgroup shall complete the following tasks before December 31, 2026: (1) estimate the number of highest risk individuals currently being served with community violence intervention services and the number of high risk individuals that likely need these services; (2) determine the current and future workforce needs of the community violence intervention field in Illinois based on a goal of serving 75% of those with chronic exposure to gun violence in the next 5 years; (3) identify the critical job function and categories required by community violence intervention services; (4) develop estimates of the available workforce by job function and category to its best ability; (5) develop job descriptions and merit assessment tools by job function and category; (6) identify changes to grant and other State funding that can enable stronger recruitment, training, and evaluation of community violence intervention workers and services; and (7) make recommendations to the General Assembly by job function and category for changes to State law that will allow for the development and implementation of career paths and quality recruitment and retention of a community violence intervention workforce. Provides that the Workgroup is dissolved on January 1, 2027 and the Act is repealed on that date. Effective immediately.