Failed proposal would direct vapor taxes to local violence prevention grants

The Department of Health Services would distribute grant money to local health departments and tribal health centers. Recipients could use the money to run violence prevention programs or award grants to organizations that run them. The money would come from taxes on vapor products collected for these grants. A local health department or tribal health center would need to apply. Grant applications would be due by June 30 of each fiscal year.

Local health departments and tribal health centers could not give program grants to law enforcement agencies or certain connected groups. The restriction would apply to grants distributed under this violence prevention program. The restriction would cover groups providing services with or through a law enforcement agency or tribal law enforcement agency. The restriction would apply whenever a local health department or tribal health center distributes program grant funds.

The Department of Health Services would receive added funding and authorization for one staff position to administer the program. The money and position would support Department of Health Services administration of the violence prevention grant program. The $30,000 and position apply to fiscal year 2025-26; the $120,000 applies to fiscal year 2026-27.