The bill, HB 1067, seeks to revise the establishment processes and requirements for mental health courts in New Hampshire, introducing a grant program to support these courts. Key amendments include the addition of language in RSA 490-H:1, I(f) that focuses on reducing incarceration costs by decreasing involuntary emergency admissions and recidivism through enhanced treatment and prevention options for individuals with mental illness. The bill redefines the structure of mental health courts, allowing superior or circuit courts to monitor offenders with mental illnesses and providing mechanisms for case dismissal upon successful program completion. Additionally, a new section, RSA 490-H:4, is established to outline the responsibilities of the judicial branch in developing an application process for counties, districts, or non-profits to apply for state grants to operate mental health courts.

The bill mandates the creation of a New Hampshire mental health court approval checklist, annual reviews of court guidelines, and the collection of performance data to measure recidivism and other outcomes. It specifies requirements for grant applicants, including a team approach in court operations and formal assessments of individuals before acceptance into the program. While the bill does not provide new appropriations or funding sources, it is projected to result in increased state expenditures from the General Fund, with estimated costs of less than $2.5 million in FY 2027 and up to $4 million in FY 2029, depending on the number of counties that apply for certification and the level of grant funding awarded. The implementation of the mental health courts will rely on future appropriations to the Judicial Branch, with an estimated annual cost of approximately $325,000 per program once fully operational.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 490-H:1
HB1067 text: 490-H:1