FL S1844

Establishes the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse within the Department of Children and Families to examine state mental health and substance abuse services based on recommendations from the 20th Statewide Grand Jury's Third Interim Report (December 10, 2020).

Commission consists of 15 members including the Secretaries of Children and Families and Agency for Health Care Administration, family members of consumers, treatment facility representatives, psychiatrists, psychologists, emergency room physicians, law enforcement representatives, and mental health court representatives, with appointments completed by September 1, 2021.

Commission shall meet at least quarterly starting no later than September 1, 2021, and must review the state's mental health and substance abuse systems, identify service delivery gaps, address emergency behavioral health care, and recommend improvements to existing laws and policies.

Commission must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature beginning September 1, 2022, containing findings and recommendations for improving mental health and substance abuse services delivery.

Commission is automatically repealed September 1, 2026, unless the Legislature reenacts the statute to continue it.