The bill proposes the establishment of the Behavioral Health Education, Training, and Coordination Fund within Title 23 of the General Laws, which is focused on health and safety. This new chapter (Chapter 100) defines "behavioral health" as treatment and services for mental health and substance use disorders, and specifies "eligible organizations" as the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI and other certified organizations. It outlines that "eligible services" include programs used for educational purposes, training, and coordination of mental health or substance use disorder treatment providers. The fund will be administered by the general treasurer and will consist of sums collected from a taxpayer check-off provided for in § 44-30-2.12, as well as any grants, donations, or other contributions.

The bill also amends Section 44-30-2.11 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-30 entitled "Personal Income Tax" to include a provision for taxpayers to contribute part of their tax refund to the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI. Additionally, it adds a new section (44-30-2.12) to allow for contributions to the newly established Behavioral Health Education, Training, and Coordination Fund. This provision will appear on the state personal income tax return, allowing taxpayers to contribute specific amounts or a portion of their tax refund to the fund. The tax administrator is required to forward these contributions to the general treasurer to be deposited into the fund, and the general treasurer will distribute the proceeds as prescribed. The provisions for contributions to the Behavioral Health Education, Training, and Coordination Fund will commence for tax returns filed for the year ending December 31, 2024. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8160: 44-30-2.11