Amendment #721 to H4000

Equitable Approaches to Public Safety (EAPS) Grant

Ms. Giannino of Revere moves to amend the bill in section 2, by inserting after line item 4512-0225, the following line item 4512-2020, moves to amend the bill in section 2, by inserting after line item 4512-0225, the following line item 4512-2020, “provided further that not less than $2,600,000 shall be expended for a matching grant program to be administered by the department of public health to support municipal public safety reform; provided, that funds shall be made available to municipalities pursuing public safety reforms and alternative investments to promote equitable public safety and public health outcomes; provided further, that eligible reforms and investments shall include, but not be limited to: (i) utilizing jail diversion programs, including restoration centers; (ii) hiring de-escalation specialists or implementing de-escalation training; (iii) hiring behavioral health specialists or utilizing other behavioral health supports; (iv) training in evidence-based or evidence-informed mental health and substance use crisis response or alternative emergency response; and (v) hiring or contracting alternative emergency response professionals; provided further, that preference in awarding matching grants shall be given to municipalities proposing alternative emergency responses conducted by unarmed community-based human service or behavioral or mental health providers who shall be unaccompanied by law enforcement but who may call on law enforcement as needed; provided further, that municipalities receiving matching grants shall demonstrate a measurable benefit to the public health for the residents of the municipality, based on criteria established by the department, and that the municipality is pursuing new practices or reforms, or expansion of prior successful practices, that support criteria established by the department; provided further, that prior to receiving matching grants, municipalities shall provide a comprehensive implementation plan to the department of proposed public safety reforms and investments; provided further, that the department shall give priority to applications that propose to invest a majority of grant funds with community-based human service, substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health or mental health providers; and provided further, that not later than March 3, 2025, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (a) a list of all municipalities that received matching funds; (b) the amount of matching funds awarded to each municipality; and (c) a description of the reforms and investments implemented in each municipality awarded matching funds, prior appropriation continued”

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #721 to H4000

Equitable Approaches to Public Safety (EAPS) Grant