$2 Million for CVI Marks Progress, But Texas Gun Safety Laws Lag Behind

Texas leaders have approved $2 million in state funding to support Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs for the upcoming fiscal year, marking a notable step in local investment as federal dollars for similar initiatives diminish.

The funding, included in the state’s 2025 budget signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, was championed by Rep. Armando Walle, who helped steer the bipartisan effort through both legislative chambers. Advocates see the funding as a critical boost for organizations tackling gun violence at the neighborhood level, as reported by Everytown.

Michael-Sean Spence, a national CVI leader with Everytown for Gun Safety, praised Texas for backing proven, community-based approaches to reducing violence, especially as federal support recedes. Local advocates echoed that sentiment, highlighting how CVI programs rely on community trust and targeted outreach to prevent shootings before they occur.

CVI programs typically focus on individuals at the highest risk of gun violence, using tactics like street outreach and hospital-based interventions to deescalate conflicts and support long-term safety. Cities nationwide have credited CVI work with contributing to recent drops in homicide rates, with 2023 seeing the steepest annual decline in 50 years.

While advocates welcomed the state’s investment, they stressed that Texas still has a long road ahead on broader gun safety measures. The state ranks in the bottom half nationally for gun law strength and has experienced some of the deadliest mass shootings in recent history. In an average year, 4,330 people in Texas die by guns and another 7,726 are injured. Gun violence costs Texas $51.3 billion each year, of which $1.1 billion is paid by taxpayers.

This legislative session also saw a wave of proposals to loosen firearm restrictions, including measures to allow guns at polling places and to lower the minimum age for concealed carry. Thanks to concerted pushback by gun safety groups, most of these bills did not advance.

Advocates say sustained support and stronger policy safeguards will be essential to protect communities in the long term.

For more information on gun violence in Texas, visit the RA News Gun Violence Watch page.