HJR 53

Abstract

Creates the Behavioral Health Prison Diversion Commission. Provides that the Commission shall gather information, review studies, and identify areas of best practice with respect to how the criminal justice system should handle persons with behavioral health disorders including mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Provides that the Commission shall make its report to the General Assembly on or before February 1, 2016; and that the report of the Commission shall detail those findings and recommendations, including: (1) a diversion action plan to improve efforts to divert persons with behavioral health disorders including mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual disabilities to appropriate treatment or diversion program as an alternative to incarceration; (2) areas of best practice in this State and other states to expand the use of effective pre-booking and post-booking options for those with behavioral health disorders; and (3) a performance monitoring process to include baseline and post-implementation data for prevalence of persons with behavioral health disorders and intellectual disabilities in the State's criminal justice system, outcomes, and return on investment. Provides that the Commission shall dissolve on February 15, 2016.