The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Merritt’s and Sen. Ruckelhaus’ SB 155 on capital punishment and serious mental illness. This bill establishes a procedure to determine whether a defendant charged with or convicted of murder is an individual with a serious mental illness. It also prohibits the imposition of the death penalty on a defendant found to be an individual with a ser … [Read more...] about Capital punishment and serious mental illness
mental health
Forensic treatment services grants
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard Sen. Breaux’s SB 389 allowing forensic treatment services grants to be awarded to juveniles. Sen. Breaux explained this bill would expand the Recovery Works program to include juveniles as well as adults. The concept was based in part on the National Council of State Legislature’s Report entitled, “Mental Health Needs of Juveni … [Read more...] about Forensic treatment services grants
Mental health matters
The House Public Health Committee heard HB 1006 concerning mental health matters authored by Rep. Kirchhofer. Portions of the bill (1) expand eligibility for Recovery Works services to include individuals under the age of 18 whose cases were waived to adult court or direct filed into adult court, and (2) permit the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, with a recommendation by … [Read more...] about Mental health matters
Criminal justice matters
H.E.A. 1102, P.L. 69 Effective: July 1, 2016 Allows the department of correction (department) to make grants to county jails to provide evidence based mental health and addiction forensic treatment services from funds appropriated to the department for the department's operating expenses for the state fiscal year. Requires the commissioner of correction to coordinate with the … [Read more...] about Criminal justice matters
Criminal justice matters
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1102 concerning criminal justice matters authored by Rep. Steuerwald and sponsored by Sen. Steele. The bill came as a recommendation from the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council to add county jails, pretrial service programs, and diversion programs to the list of eligible entities for funding from savings realized by the … [Read more...] about Criminal justice matters