Budget Amendment ID: FY2015-S4-598-R1

Redraft EPS 598

Pre-arrest Jail Diversion

Ms. Spilka and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended moved that the bill be amended by inserting, after section 19, the following section:-

"SECTION 19A. Chapter 19 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 25. The commissioner of mental health shall collaborate with local law enforcement officials, mental health professionals and social workers, to support programs that provide opportunities to prevent arrest and divert individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders out of the criminal justice system and into community based mental health and substance use disorder treatment services where such diversion is clinically appropriate and consistent with public safety. The commissioner shall monitor, evaluate and complete annual reports on the participation of the department of mental health in jail diversion programs, including pre-arrest jail diversions programs, in cities, towns, or regions of the commonwealth which shall be filed with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, and the chairs of the joint committee on mental health and substance abuse not later than December 31 of each year.”