Taking cues from other states and cities that have implemented them, Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, wants Virginia to establish more programs that encourage people to leave violent lifestyles in order to curb shooting deaths.
Weeks after the General Assembly abruptly adjourned a special session called to address gun violence after a mass shooting in Virginia Beach, Gilbert, the House majority leader, filed legislation to create new group-violence reduction or intervention initiatives.
Gilbert’s bill would create a new state board, a new division in the state Department of Criminal Justice Service and a pair of grant funds called Project Exit and Project Ceasefire. The bill will be evaluated by the State Crime Commission, along with the other legislation filed for the special session.