HI SB716

Establishes a pre-arrest diversion pilot project for individuals with mental health or substance abuse challenges who commit nonviolent, non-felony offenses on state property in a county with population of at least 600,000.

Deputy sheriffs may refer alleged violators to the Department of Health for assessment instead of arresting or citing them, if the person has no conviction for violence within the past three years.

Department of Health assesses referrals and accepts qualified individuals into the program, referring them to community mental health services rather than criminal prosecution.

Governor shall assign a responsible state officer by September 1, 2017, to coordinate the pilot project with the Department of Public Safety, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and governor's homelessness coordinator.

Pilot project operates from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019, with interim report due January 1, 2018, and final report due twenty days before the 2019 legislative session; appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.