Mental Health Justice Act of 2021

Hozzl · 2023-04-26T20:00:21Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1368 Mental Health Justice Act of 2021 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

4/26/2023, 8:00 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1368

Bill 117 hr 1368, also known as the Mental Health Justice Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. The bill seeks to improve mental health services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, with a focus on prevention, intervention, and treatment.

Key provisions of the Mental Health Justice Act of 2021 include:

1. Establishing mental health training programs for law enforcement officers, judges, and other criminal justice professionals to better identify and respond to individuals with mental health issues. 2. Creating diversion programs to provide alternative sentencing options for individuals with mental health conditions, such as mental health courts and crisis intervention teams. 3. Increasing funding for mental health treatment and support services for individuals in the criminal justice system, including those in jails and prisons. 4. Enhancing coordination between mental health and criminal justice agencies to ensure seamless transitions for individuals receiving mental health services. Overall, the Mental Health Justice Act of 2021 aims to improve outcomes for individuals with mental health issues who come into contact with the criminal justice system, by providing them with the support and treatment they need to address their mental health needs. The bill emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing mental health within the criminal justice system, with a focus on prevention, intervention, and treatment.

Congressional Summary of HR 1368

Mental Health Justice Act of 2021

This bill creates a grant program for states and local governments to train and dispatch mental health professionals to respond, instead of law enforcement officers, to emergencies that involve people with behavioral health needs.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must manage the program in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ). SAMHSA may cancel grants that increase incarceration or institutionalization. Grantees must use funds for purposes including de-escalation and anti-racism training.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the DOJ must evaluate this program.

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Current Status of Bill HR 1368

Bill HR 1368 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 3, 2021. Bill HR 1368 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on February 25, 2021. Bill HR 1368's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. as of April 28, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1368

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

276

Democrat Cosponsors

274

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1368

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Congressional oversight

- Correctional facilities and imprisonment

- Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

- Criminal justice information and records

- Disability and paralysis

- Drug trafficking and controlled substances

- Drug, alcohol, tobacco use

- Emergency communications systems

- Employment and training programs

- First responders and emergency personnel

- Government information and archives

- Government studies and investigations

- Health personnel

- Health programs administration and funding

- Law enforcement administration and funding

- Law enforcement officers

- Mental health

- Performance measurement

- Racial and ethnic relations

- State and local government operations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1368

Mental Health Justice Act of 2021

To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and political subdivisions of States to hire, employ, train, and dispatch mental health professionals to respond in lieu of law enforcement officers in emergencies involving one or more persons with a mental illness or an intellectual or developmental disability, and for other purposes.

Mental Health Justice Act of 2021