Bill > H0439

This bill expands access to mental health services within the criminal justice system by authorizing the creation of treatment-based mental health court programs, which are specialized court dockets designed to address the underlying mental health issues of defendants. It also establishes a Forensic Hospital Diversion Pilot Program to provide community-based treatment for individuals with serious mental illnesses who are involved with or at risk of entering state forensic mental health facilities, aiming to reduce recidivism and costs. The bill allows courts to order offenders on probation or community control to participate in these post-adjudicatory mental health court programs, and it clarifies eligibility for military veterans and servicemembers court programs, including those with a general discharge. Additionally, it makes changes to involuntary outpatient placement procedures and notice requirements, and it updates definitions related to mental health commitments and firearm prohibitions.