Section 24-401 - State Center recognized; functions; communication of information.

§ 24-401. State Center recognized; functions; communication of information.
 

(a)  "Violence prevention program" defined.- In this section, "violence prevention program" means a course in which education and training is offered in the areas of recognizing, addressing, and resolving issues of violence in the home and the community. 

(b)  State Center recognized.- The Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland has established at Bowie State University a State Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution and Violence Prevention. The Maryland General Assembly hereby recognizes that Center. 

(c)  Functions of Center.- The General Assembly recognizes that the Center: 

(1) Shall serve as the central repository for materials, data, and information related to violence prevention programs operating in the State or available to the State; 

(2) May serve as a referral source for violence prevention programs and services operating in the State or available to the State; 

(3) May implement volunteer prevention networks throughout the State; 

(4) May provide research and evaluation services in the area of violence prevention; 

(5) May provide information services regarding violence prevention programs and services; 

(6) May provide or facilitate violence prevention education and training programs; 

(7) May provide media and media-related services in the area of violence prevention; and 

(8) May provide educational and academic support to disruptive youth. 

(d)  Submission of information to Center.- An individual or group operating a violence prevention program in the State shall be encouraged to submit to the Center: 

(1) A written description of the program; and 

(2) Any other information relating to the program required by the Center. 

(e)  Request for information.-  

(1) An individual or group may submit a request to the Center for information on any violence prevention program operating in the State or available to the State. 

(2) On request, the Center shall distribute information relating to a violence prevention program. 

(f)  Funding.- The operation of the Center shall be supported by funds: 

(1) As provided by the Governor in the annual budget of Bowie State University; and 

(2) From any other source. 
 

[1996, ch. 594; 1997, ch. 114, § 1.]