Courts could monitor people with mental illness through programs

Superior or circuit courts could set up programs that monitor people with mental illness and connect them with individual services. The programs would monitor offenders with mental illness whose behavior could otherwise lead to criminal conduct. After successful program completion, a judge could resolve the case as allowed by the participant's agreement and court rules; possible outcomes include withholding or dismissing charges.

The judicial branch would create a process for awarding grants to local applicants that seek to run mental health courts. Counties, districts, and nonprofits could apply for grants to operate a mental health court in their area. Counties, districts, and nonprofits would need to submit a plan and budget, meet the state checklist, and agree to approved training and other contract requirements. The bill provides no appropriation or identified funding source. The fiscal note says the program could not be implemented without an appropriation to the Judicial Branch. The bill would take effect January 1, 2027, if enacted.

A person sentenced through a mental health court could petition to annul related charges, arrest, conviction, and sentence. The option would apply to matters related to that person's entry into the mental health court. The petition would not clear the record automatically; a judge would consider it after the person completes all programs and conditions imposed by the mental health court. The person could petition at least one year after completing all programs and conditions.