Senate Bill 251 Summary

• Amends the County Community Safety Investment Fund to allow county governments and multi-county partnerships to apply for funds for evidence-based mental health, substance abuse, employment, education, and housing programs.

• Expands eligible services to include pretrial diversion programs, mental health and substance use jail intake screenings, and jail reentry programs in addition to existing community-based treatment options.

• Establishes a minimum allocation guarantee requiring each county government or multi-county partnership to receive at least 0.5% of the total amount appropriated for each award cycle.

• Requires the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to submit an annual report to the President Pro Tempore and Speaker of the House detailing awards and services provided by each applicant.

• Takes effect July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.