HB 257 Summary

• Appropriates $226,340,400 total ($221,122,600 operating + $5,217,800 new legislation) for fiscal year 2016-2017 to support Alaska's integrated comprehensive mental health program across multiple state agencies.

• Provides $11,000,000 from general fund to Department of Health and Social Services for a pilot program to develop additional substance use disorder services for fiscal years 2016-2019.

• Funds major behavioral health initiatives including $84,492,600 for behavioral health services, $15,950,900 for Alaska Pioneer Homes, and $62,907,700 for Medicaid services.

• Allocates $11,800,000 in capital projects including mental health equipment, housing modifications, homeless assistance programs, and coordinated transportation across state departments.

• Implements salary and benefit adjustments for public employees and multiple collective bargaining unit agreements for fiscal year 2017; takes effect July 1, 2016.