HB1566 - Mental Health Prison Diversion Commission Act

• Creates an 11-member Mental Health Prison Diversion Commission composed of 7 General Assembly members (appointed by legislative leaders), the Secretary of Human Services, Director of Corrections, and a Governor's designee

• Commission shall gather information, review studies, and identify best practices for diverting persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities away from the criminal justice system to treatment alternatives

• Requires Commission to submit a report to the General Assembly by February 1, 2016 with findings and recommendations including: a diversion action plan, best practice options for pre- and post-booking alternatives, and a performance monitoring process with baseline data and outcome metrics

• Authorizes Commission to conduct inquiries, studies, investigations, and hold hearings; members serve without compensation but may receive travel reimbursement subject to appropriation

• Act repeals on February 15, 2016 and takes effect upon becoming law