SJR33 Summary

• Alabama Legislature signs on to the "Call to Action" to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in county jails and hospitals

• Resolution acknowledges that an estimated 2 million people with serious mental illnesses are jailed annually, and jailed individuals are 3-6 times more likely to have serious mental illnesses than the general population

• Notes that nearly 75% of jailed adults with serious mental illnesses also have substance-use disorders, stay longer in custody, and have higher recidivism rates upon release

• Commits to sharing lessons learned around the state and encourages all county officials, employees, and residents to participate in the Stepping Up initiative, which is coordinated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health, National Association of Counties, Council of State Governments Justice Center, and American Psychiatric Association Foundation

• Senate adopted 27-FEB-20; House adopted 10-MAR-20