HF3201

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support individuals with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders who are exiting county jails. It seeks to reduce incarceration rates for these populations by providing resources and services that facilitate their transition back into the community. Additionally, the bill intends to fund county programs that divert such individuals away from the criminal justice system.

Main Provisions

1. Discharge Planning for Inmates with Mental Illnesses:

   • Requires a discharge plan for inmates diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illnesses who have served three or more months, to be done in collaboration with county human services.
   • Discharge plans must include assistance in applying for medical assistance, securing identification, coordinating mental health services, and providing medication.

2. Jail Diversion Programs:

   • Counties are encouraged to create programs diverting individuals with mental illnesses and substance use issues from arrest and incarceration.
   • Services provided may include help with basic needs such as transportation, food, and housing, as well as coordination with local health and social services.

3. Grant Program for Jail Diversion:

   • Establishes a grant program administered by the commissioner of corrections, in consultation with the commissioner of human services, to support counties in setting up jail diversion initiatives.
   • Grant funds can be used for service provision, discharge planning, and hiring new staff.
   • Priority may be given to counties forming partnerships with mobile crisis teams or local mental health service providers.

4. Data Collection and Evaluation:

   • Grantees must provide data for program evaluation, focusing on effectiveness and performance measures. Outcome measures will be developed with grantees and shared publicly.

5. Funding:

   • Allocates funds for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these initiatives, with ongoing funding anticipated for subsequent years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends existing statutes to mandate comprehensive discharge planning for certain inmates and introduces a financial incentive through grants for counties to develop diversion programs, which is a new initiative encouraging systemic changes in how counties handle individuals with mental health and substance use disorders in the criminal justice system.

Relevant Terms

• Jail diversion
• Mental health services
• Substance use disorders
• County human services
• Discharge planning
• Community reentry programs
• Grant program