Bill

Bill > HR8542


US HR8542

Mental Health Justice Act of 2022


summary

Introduced
07/27/2022
In Committee
07/27/2022
Crossed Over
09/27/2022
Passed
Dead
01/03/2023

Introduced Session

117th Congress

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to States, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, and political subdivisions thereof to hire, employ, train, and dispatch mental health profes- sionals to respond in lieu of law enforcement officers in emergencies involving one or more persons with a mental illness or an intellectual or developmental dis- ability, and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill, the Mental Health Justice Act of 2022, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants for states, tribes, and local governments to hire, employ, train, and dispatch mental health professionals to respond to emergencies involving individuals with mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities, rather than law enforcement officers. The bill requires grantees to provide training in de-escalation and developmentally appropriate techniques, ensure mental health professionals link individuals to voluntary community-based services, and coordinate with law enforcement. It also allows for additional awards to grantees that demonstrate notable reductions in incarceration, death, and use of force by police, as well as increases in referrals to community-based services. The bill authorizes $250 million in funding for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 and requires a study on the effectiveness of the grant program.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (on 09/27/2022)

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