The bill amends the Court Supervised Treatment Program Act to broaden its focus to include mental health treatment alongside substance use disorder treatment. It allows court-supervised treatment programs to accept participants from any jurisdiction within the state and permits public defenders to serve as team members, representing participants during proceedings. The legislation updates terminology by changing "substance abuse" to "substance use disorder" and introduces new definitions related to mental health treatment and dual diagnosis. It emphasizes the need to address both substance use disorders and mental health needs, aiming to reduce the number of individuals with mental illness in jails and improve recovery outcomes.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding penalties for driving under the influence, requiring individuals convicted of such offenses to undergo a substance use disorder assessment instead of a substance abuse assessment. For third offenses within ten years, it mandates a minimum jail sentence of thirty days, with potential suspension for those completing an approved inpatient treatment program. The bill also maintains misdemeanor classifications for youthful drivers with detectable alcohol concentrations while allowing for substance use disorder assessments as a condition of probation. It repeals certain sections related to substance abuse assessments and treatment, streamlining the legal framework, and tasks the Supreme Court with promulgating additional rules for implementation. The act is set to take effect immediately upon completion of the necessary legislative processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5-12-107, 5-12-109