HB2649 Summary

• Establishes a mental health transition pilot program within the Department of Corrections to provide eligible inmates with community-based mental health transition services, serving up to 500 inmates annually.

• Requires eligible inmates to have a mental health or co-occurring disorder, agree to provide specific information, and not have been convicted of sexual offenses or crimes under Title 13, Chapters 14 or 17.

• Mandates contracted entities provide services including psychiatric care, counseling, substance abuse treatment, case management, and job placement for a minimum of 90 days per inmate.

• Requires annual recidivism studies and reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing recidivism rates, number of participants, service types provided, and waiting list information.

• Appropriates $1.3 million annually for fiscal years 2020-2021 through 2022-2023 to fund the program, which is repealed December 31, 2024.