SB 665 Summary

• Establishes the Jail-Based Community Mental Health Innovation Program (JBCMHIP) allowing up to 8 counties, including Orange County, to use Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds for mental health services in county jails, including for persons convicted of felonies and sentenced to county jail.

• Requires approved counties to establish robust community planning processes involving mental health agencies, criminal justice agencies, mental health peers, family members, and the public, and to create ongoing workgroups to develop and monitor jail-based mental health programs.

• Limits JBCMHIP duration to a maximum of 5 years and requires programs to ensure continuity of care through transfer of individuals between jail and community-based mental health services, involving probation and social service agencies.

• Mandates the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to collect data on program outcomes including recidivism reduction, successful transitions to community care, and treatment of previously untreated individuals.

• Requires the Commission to report to the Legislature at program conclusion on outcomes achieved and whether jail-based care is an appropriate use of MHSA funds, with consideration of geographic and demographic representation among approved counties.