The proposed bill, H. 3088, seeks to implement a pilot "Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Program" in South Carolina, targeting at least ten counties as designated by the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court. This initiative aims to provide an alternative to incarceration for individuals with behavioral health disorders, allowing them to receive necessary treatment and support services instead of facing criminal charges. The bill outlines specific criteria for participation, the types of services to be offered, and mandates comprehensive data collection and reporting from treatment providers and circuit solicitors. The pilot program is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, and will operate for four years unless modified by the General Assembly.

Key features of the bill include the establishment of an advisory council to oversee the program's implementation, the creation of a trust fund to finance the initiative, and the requirement for detailed reporting on participant demographics and treatment outcomes. The bill also delineates the responsibilities of case managers and treatment providers, emphasizing the need for evidence-based treatment plans tailored to participants' needs. Additionally, it establishes the Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Program Implementation Council, which will consist of various stakeholders and will report annually on the program's effectiveness. The trust fund will be managed by the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, with provisions for funding from multiple sources, including state and federal grants. The council is set to dissolve on December 31, 2027, unless extended by the General Assembly.