San Francisco committee urges DPH to help gun‑violence victims understand rights under AB 1594

Supervisor Chan introduced a resolution asking the San Francisco Department of Public Health to create education and resources for victims of gun violence about their rights under California Assembly Bill 1594. "AB 1594 established the right for all victims of gun violence in California to sue firearm manufacturers," Chan said, and she emphasized that victims in the city are disproportionately Black and Brown.

Stephanie Felder, director of comprehensive crisis services at DPH, told the committee the department supports the resolution and would develop multilingual educational materials for victims and partners. "DPH will work with the mayor's budget office on identifying funding and staffing as necessary for the educational campaign once this resolution has passed," Felder said. Monifa Willis of the District Attorney's Office described the heavy casework and follow-up that victims need and warned that civil suits require sustained outreach and case management beyond immediate crisis services.

UCSF’s Trauma Recovery Center described free trauma‑focused clinical care and bedside engagement that can help victims through medical and court processes. Committee members and presenters emphasized that providing information alone is insufficient: victims need follow‑up services, culturally competent outreach and, ultimately, sustainable funding to support any civil‑legal pathway. Several supervisors signaled support for amending the resolution’s timelines (moving target dates to January 2024) to allow departments time to align resources and the newly established Office of Victim Services.

The committee approved the amendments and voted to send the resolution to the full Board with a positive recommendation. The Committee directed DPH and the DA’s Office to report back on a timeline for educational materials, staffing needs and proposed funding sources by January 2024.