MS SB2773

Establishes a grant program within 90 days requiring the Commissioner of Corrections and Attorney General to fund mental health screenings at intake for all eligible detention centers, with referrals to providers before or immediately after release

Requires hiring mental health liaison staff at each detention center to coordinate between facilities and local providers, oversee outreach teams, and ensure program compliance with an advisory board

Mandates a 5-10 question mental health screening survey based on the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen (BJMHS) to identify severe mental illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression

Creates mental health outreach teams that must attempt in-person contact before release or phone contact within 24-48 hours after release, with at least three contact attempts required for individuals needing referrals

Requires mandatory psychiatric evaluations by licensed psychiatrists or psychologists prior to release, though participation in treatment programs remains voluntary, with impact evaluations tracking crime rates, employment, and mental healthcare utilization at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years post-release