HEA 1268 Summary

• Amends community corrections programs to require use of evidence-based services, programs, and practices that reduce recidivism risk, effective July 1, 2014.

• Establishes a new Mental Health and Addiction Forensic Treatment Services account administered by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction to provide grants and vouchers for eligible individuals with felony convictions and household income not exceeding 200% of federal poverty level.

• Expands probation services funding to support development and implementation of evidence-based practices, incentives and sanctions, and coordinated community supervision systems to address compliance and reduce recidivism.

• Requires judicial conference of Indiana to consult with the Department of Correction and Division of Mental Health and Addiction before awarding financial assistance to courts, and mandates that mental health and substance abuse treatment services be provided by certified providers.

• Expands food stamps and TANF program eligibility for individuals convicted of controlled substance offenses after August 22, 1996, if they successfully participate in reentry court programs or evidence-based mental health and addiction forensic treatment services.