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 mental health and substance use disorders. The fund will be administered by the general treasurer and will consist of sums collected from a taxpayer check-off option provided for in § 44-30-2.12, as well as any grants, donations, or other financial contributions. The fund will be distributed annually to eligible organizations, such as the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI and others certified by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities, and hospitals. These organizations must use the funds exclusively for education, training, or coordination of behavioral health treatment or service providers.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 44-30-2.11 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-30 entitled "Personal Income Tax" to include a provision for a refund deduction for contributions to the substance use and mental health leadership council of RI, which will expire after the tax year ending December 31, 2023. A new section, 44-30-2.12, is added to allow deductions from Rhode Island personal income tax refunds for contributions to the newly established Behavioral Health Education, Training, and Coordination Fund, starting with returns filed for the tax year ending December 31, 2024. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8160: 44-30-2.11