Counties and tribes could seek grants for mental health diversion programs

The Department of Justice would award grants to counties and tribes for mental health treatment programs as alternatives to prosecution or jail. Programs would serve low- to medium-risk people whose mental illness contributes to their involvement with the criminal justice system, including people who may be charged, have been charged, or have been convicted of a crime. A county or tribe would need to be identified as well-positioned to make an impact and meet the other program requirements. People defined as violent offenders could not participate. Treatment must follow practices identified by the Department of Health Services. No grants could be awarded after June 30 that begins five years after this provision takes effect. The bill text leaves the effective date to be inserted later.

Grant recipients would report on their programs, and the Department of Justice would review results. These duties would apply to grant recipients and the Department of Justice. Counties and tribes receiving grants would submit annual progress reports and requested project data each month. The department would publish annual progress reports and prepare later reports with advice from the criminal justice coordinating council. The department would prepare an implementation report three years after the provision takes effect and an outcome report five years after it takes effect.

The bill would fund two Department of Justice staff positions to administer the program. The positions would be one program manager and one research analyst. The bill text does not show the grant funding table, so the amount available for grants cannot be stated. The listed staff funding applies to fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27.