TRENTON – Aimed at disrupting the cycle of violence in underserved communities, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz that would require Medicaid coverage for community violence prevention services as well as establish a training and certification program for community violence prevention professionals.

“Medicaid is a lifeline for low-income families, and by requiring coverage for community violence prevention services we can better protect people from the cycles of violence that threaten their communities,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “This coverage is critical throughout the duration of a survivor’s physical and psychological recovery, and this legislation will ensure that Medicaid recipients have access to treatment when they need it the most.”

The bill, S-1407, would require Medicaid coverage for community violence prevention services for beneficiaries who receive medical treatment for an injury resulting from an act of community violence. It would also require Medicaid coverage for recipients who have been referred by a certified health care or social services provider to receive community violence prevention services, when a provider determines that the beneficiary would be at an elevated risk of violent injury or retaliation from another act of community violence.

"Prioritizing the health and safety of our communities is paramount. This legislation not only addresses the immediate needs of those affected by community violence but also lays the foundation for long-term prevention and support,” said Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “By ensuring access to certified violence prevention professionals and comprehensive services, we're investing in resilience, healing, and ultimately, a brighter future for all.”

The legislation would require that the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs develop and administer, in consultation with the Department of Health and a working group established under the bill, a training and certification program for community violence prevention professionals. The Director would issue a certification as a violence prevention professional to those who apply and demonstrate that they have at least two years of prior experience as a community violence prevention professional and to any individual who possesses a current certificate from a Crisis Intervention Team program approved by the Director. Individuals who are certified in this manner would still have to complete continuing education requirements set forth in the training and certification program within 24 months following the bill’s effective date.

Under the bill, the term “community violence” is defined as any intentional act of physical force against one or more persons by an individual or small group of individuals that is committed in one or more public areas, including acts of domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Community violence prevention services could include conflict mediation, crisis intervention, and screening services for victims of community violence.

The bill was advanced in a unanimous vote, setting it up for consideration from the full Senate.

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