HB 1345

Abstract

Amends the Community Services Act. Provides that whenever any appropriation, or any portion of an appropriation, for any fiscal year relating to the funding of any State-operated facility operated by the Office of Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Human Services or any mental health facility operated by the Office of Mental Health within the Department is reduced because of any of the following reasons, those moneys must be directed toward providing other services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities or mental health needs: (1) closing of a State-operated facility; (2) reduction in the number of units or available beds in a State-operated facility; or (3) reduction in the number of staff at a State-operated facility. Provides that in determining whether any savings are realized from closure of a State-operated facility or a reduction in the number of units, available beds, or staff, sufficient moneys shall be made available to ensure that there is an appropriate level of staffing and that life, safety, and care concerns are addressed so as to provide for the remaining persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness at State-operated facilities. Provides that the plan for using any savings realized from such a closure or reduction must be shared and discussed with advocates, advocacy organizations, and advisory groups whose mission includes advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities or persons with mental illness. Effective immediately.