The bill aims to expand treatment courts across Minnesota to ensure statewide access to these programs, which are designed to address the needs of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders within the judicial system. It introduces new legal language under section [484.93], defining "serious offense" and "treatment court," and outlines participant eligibility criteria. The bill specifies that offenders charged with misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies may participate, with exclusions for serious offenses as determined by a validated risk assessment tool. Additionally, it mandates that by January 15, 2024, the Judicial Council must ensure sufficient treatment courts are available in every judicial district to meet community safety and behavioral health needs.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Judicial Council to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the status of treatment courts, including funding sources, expenditures, participant demographics, and outcome measures. It also includes appropriations from the general fund for the Minnesota Supreme Court to support the implementation of these provisions in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The new section is set to take effect the day after final enactment.