Senate Bill No. 251 amends existing legislation related to the County Community Safety Investment Fund, specifically focusing on the types of evidence-based services eligible for funding. The bill expands the scope of services to include mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, pretrial diversion programs, mental health and substance use jail intake screenings, jail reentry programs, employment, education, and housing programs. Additionally, it establishes a minimum allocation of at least half of one percent (0.5%) of the total appropriated funds for each county government or multi-county partnership applying for these funds.

The bill also updates statutory references and mandates the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to issue an annual request for proposals for funding. It requires the department to submit an annual report detailing the amounts awarded to each county or partnership and the services provided. The Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is tasked with creating rules to implement these provisions, ensuring that programs receiving funds meet specific qualifications. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.