S04757: "Operation SNUG" Gun Violence Prevention Grants Reported to Finance

What the Bill Would Do

Senate Bill 4757 would formalize the Operation SNUG program within the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)^[1]. SNUG (Guns Spelled Backwards) is a community-based violence intervention model that uses credible messengers — often individuals with lived experience of gun violence — to mediate conflicts before they escalate to shootings. The program has operated informally in several New York cities. This bill would codify it in statute, providing a permanent legislative framework and dedicated grant funding mechanism through DCJS.

The Assembly companion A05613 remains referred to Codes^[2].

Current Status

S04757 was reported from its original committee and committed to Finance on February 24, 2026 — indicating the bill has policy approval and is awaiting fiscal review. This is a significant step forward in the legislative process.

What to Watch

The Finance Committee referral means the key remaining question is money: how much will be appropriated for SNUG grants, and whether the funding is recurring or one-time. Watch for the program to be included in the 2026-2027 budget negotiations, which could provide an alternative vehicle for enactment even if the standalone bill stalls. The new Office of Gun Violence Prevention (established by Chapter 55) may also play a coordinating role in distributing SNUG funding.