S2364A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Bailey to codify the SNUG violence interruption program into law, ensuring stable funding for the initiative going forward. The bill passed 57-1 on a roll call vote, with only Sen. Walczyk voting in opposition. SNUG, an acronym for the program spelled backwards, has operated throughout New York State with demonstrated success in reducing gun violence in urban communities through violence interrupters and community mediators. Supporters including Sens. Rivera, Cleare, and Kennedy praised the program's effectiveness in preventing violence before it occurs through community engagement, youth services, and conflict resolution. Sen. Kennedy noted that codifying SNUG into law protects the program from future budget cuts, referencing a 2011 effort to defund the initiative. The bill takes effect April 1.