Bill > HB3576

This bill tasks the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (OCJC) with developing a formula for distributing grant funds to counties for deflection programs, which are collaborative efforts between law enforcement and behavioral health entities designed to help individuals with substance use or behavioral health disorders access treatment and support services. The formula must consider various factors for each county, including rurality, number of law enforcement agencies, emergency department visits for nonfatal drug overdoses, drug overdose deaths, drug-related arrests, homeless population, and number of people receiving medical assistance. The bill modifies an existing program established in a previous legislative session, expanding the grant application requirements to ensure comprehensive coordination among partners like district attorneys, law enforcement, mental health programs, and community resources. Grant funds can be used for program expenses, workforce development, and treatment infrastructure, with up to 3% allocated for data collection and evaluation. The bill declares an emergency, takes effect immediately upon passage, and specifies that the new provisions will become operative on January 1, 2026, allowing the OCJC time to prepare for implementation.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3576