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HB 348

Appropriation; Department of Mental Health for increasing alcohol and drug rehabilitation beds and crisis intervention teams.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Omeria Scott

HB 348 sought to fund expansion of Mississippi's alcohol/drug rehabilitation beds and crisis intervention teams but died in committee without advancing to full consideration.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 348

Legislative bill overview

HB 348 proposed allocating funds to Mississippi's Department of Mental Health to expand alcohol and drug rehabilitation bed capacity and establish or enhance crisis intervention teams. The bill aimed to increase treatment infrastructure and emergency response capabilities for substance abuse and mental health crises.

Why is this important

Substance abuse disorders affect thousands of Mississippians, and limited rehabilitation bed availability forces people into long wait times or out-of-state treatment. Crisis intervention teams reduce incarceration of individuals experiencing mental health emergencies and can improve public safety outcomes by connecting people to treatment rather than the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill's appropriation mechanism and whether it required new revenue, budget reallocation, or deficit spending was not specified in available information
  • Implementation concerns: Expanding beds and teams requires not just capital investment but sustained operational funding, staff recruitment, and workforce training
  • Competing priorities: In state budgets with limited resources, mental health investment competes with education, infrastructure, and other pressing needs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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