Senate Bill 837 proposes the establishment of a grant program aimed at providing alternatives to prosecution and incarceration for low to medium-risk offenders with mental illnesses. This program will be administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in collaboration with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Department of Health Services (DHS). The bill outlines eligibility criteria for counties and tribes to receive grants, emphasizing the need for programs that focus on restorative justice principles, promote public safety, and integrate mental health services. The grant program is set as a pilot initiative, with a five-year limit on grant awards, after which the DOJ is required to prepare a summary outcome report to evaluate the program's effectiveness and make recommendations for its future.

In addition to creating the new grant program under section 165.958, the bill amends several existing statutes to include references to this program, particularly in relation to treatment programs for individuals with mental health issues. Notably, it removes specific references to "substance abuse treatment" in favor of broader language that encompasses mental health treatment, thereby aligning with the bill's focus on mental illness as a contributing factor in criminal justice interactions. The bill also includes provisions for oversight committees to monitor the implementation of the programs and mandates regular reporting to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of grant funds.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 165.95(5)(b), 165.95, 302.43, 961.472(5)(b), 961.472, 967.11(1), 967.11, 967.11(2), 973.155(1m), 973.155