HB 2147 Summary

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

• Deputy sheriffs may refer alleged violators to the Department of Health for assessment instead of arresting or citing them, if the person has not been convicted of a violent offense in the past three years.

• The Department of Health assesses referrals and accepts qualifying individuals into the program, referring them to community mental health services rather than criminal justice processing.

• Governor must assign a responsible state officer by September 1, 2018 to coordinate the pilot project with the Department of Public Safety, Department of Health, and Department of Human Services.

• Pilot project operates from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, with an interim report due January 1, 2019 and a final report with recommendations due 20 days before the 2020 legislative session convenes; includes an unspecified appropriation of general revenues.