The bill proposes an appropriation of $16,000,000 from the state general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The funds are designated for facility and operations grants aimed at enhancing regional acute psychiatric treatment services and residential supportive housing. To qualify for these grants, recipients must increase the number of inpatient behavioral health beds, which are specifically intended for acute psychiatric treatment or residential supportive housing. Additionally, grant recipients are required to operate the behavioral health facility for a minimum of ten years and must enter into a contract to that effect.

The bill emphasizes the importance of distributing grants equitably across the state to ensure that all quadrants have access to adequate acute psychiatric treatment and residential supportive housing services. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with determining the locations of these facilities, focusing on options that will help reduce referrals to the state hospital. This initiative aims to improve the overall behavioral health infrastructure in North Dakota, addressing the growing need for mental health services.