The bill establishes the Department of Mental Health's (DMH) police-based Jail and Arrest Diversion Initiatives for Fiscal Year 2024, as required by Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024. It details the operations from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, including the distribution of crisis intervention teams, grant allocations totaling $16,668,784 for 117 projects, and measures to assess cost-effectiveness and program impact. The initiatives aim to redirect individuals experiencing mental health crises away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment, thereby enhancing community safety and reducing unnecessary arrests. The bill emphasizes the importance of partnerships between law enforcement and mental health providers, highlighting the effectiveness of training programs and the establishment of Training and Technical Assistance Centers.

Additionally, the bill outlines significant advancements made by the DMH, including the implementation of a new online data management system for tracking interventions and standardized data monitoring for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certification. In FY24, 675 officers became CIT certified, and training sessions reached 225 public safety agencies. The financial benefits of these initiatives are notable, with an estimated cost savings of approximately $47.4 million due to reduced arrests and emergency department visits. The bill also emphasizes the need for ongoing training and support for law enforcement personnel, aiming to create a more integrated approach to mental health and law enforcement, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals in crisis.