The bill aims to address and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in mental health and substance abuse services in Florida. It amends section 381.7355 of the Florida Statutes by adding a new priority area that specifically targets disparities in morbidity and mortality rates related to mental health and substance use disorders. Additionally, it revises the existing proposal requirements to ensure that projects identify the specific racial or ethnic disparities they aim to address, thereby broadening the scope of the Closing the Gap grant program.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that priority be given to proposals that represent areas with the greatest documented racial and ethnic disparities in the provision of mental health and substance abuse services. This legislative change is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reflecting a commitment to improving health equity in these critical areas.