House Bill 855 Summary

• Appropriates $1 billion in nonrecurring ARPA funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium to transform behavioral health and support child and family well-being.

• Allocates $35 million to the Division of Child and Family Well-Being for family partners, community assessment teams, and specialized behavioral health treatment options for children in crisis.

• Provides $225 million to increase Medicaid rates paid to behavioral healthcare providers for three years and $108 million for community-based pre-arrest diversion and reentry programs.

• Funds $40 million for statewide expansion of school behavioral health services in collaboration with the Department of Public Instruction, including telehealth pilot programs and training initiatives.

• Authorizes the creation of up to 48 time-limited positions and requires quarterly reporting to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services detailing fund usage.