Requires Medicaid coverage for community violence prevention services; establishes training and certification program for violence prevention professionals.*

This bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to cover community violence prevention services for eligible residents. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who would gain access to evidence-based violence prevention programs, such as counseling and neighborhood safety initiatives. The bill establishes a state training and certification program to ensure violence prevention professionals meet specific standards. These services would be added to Medicaid's covered benefits under existing state law, expanding access without altering current Medicaid eligibility rules. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.