SF3249 Summary

• Creates mental health provider supervision grant program with up to $7,500 per intern/trainee for supervision costs and licensing application fees for providers serving underrepresented communities or public program enrollees.

• Modifies hospital construction moratorium exception to allow mental health bed capacity increases through July 31, 2027, with annual reporting requirements and commissioner monitoring of compliance.

• Establishes forensic navigator services requiring counties to provide services to defendants with mental illness/cognitive impairments, including bridge plan development, competency restoration program coordination, and community service linkage.

• Creates mental health urgency room grant program for medical providers and nonprofits serving youth ages 25 and under in mental health crisis, with priority to applicants demonstrating regional need and financial sustainability.

• Appropriates $64+ million across fiscal years 2023-2026 for multiple mental health initiatives including provider supervision grants, forensic navigators, urgency rooms, adult mental health initiatives, mobile crisis services, and professional loan forgiveness.