Summary of Bill S 905

Bill Information

• Bill Number: S 905
• Title: Relates to the removal of incarcerated individuals diagnosed with mental illness to a residential mental health treatment unit
• Status: Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 905 aims to address the needs of incarcerated individuals who are diagnosed with mental illness. The primary intent of the bill is to facilitate the transfer of these individuals from correctional facilities to specialized residential mental health treatment units. This initiative seeks to provide appropriate mental health care and support, recognizing that individuals with mental health issues may require different treatment than what is typically available in a prison setting.

Key Provisions

• Transfer Protocols: The bill outlines specific protocols for the assessment and transfer of incarcerated individuals diagnosed with mental illness to designated residential mental health treatment units.
• Eligibility Criteria: It establishes criteria for determining which individuals qualify for transfer, focusing on those whose mental health conditions significantly impair their ability to function within a correctional environment.
• Treatment Standards: The bill mandates that the residential treatment units adhere to established standards of care for mental health treatment, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate and effective support.
• Oversight and Reporting: It includes provisions for oversight of the transfer process and requires regular reporting on the outcomes of individuals transferred to these treatment units.

Impact

• Affected Population: The bill primarily affects incarcerated individuals diagnosed with mental health conditions, providing them with access to more suitable treatment options.
• Correctional Facilities: It may also impact correctional facilities by reducing the number of individuals with mental health issues housed in these environments, potentially leading to improved conditions for both inmates and staff.
• Mental Health Services: The bill is likely to increase demand for mental health services within the residential treatment units, necessitating adequate funding and resources to meet the needs of the transferred individuals.

Procedural Aspects

• Legislative Process: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction for further consideration. The outcome of this referral will determine the next steps in the legislative process.
• Related Bills: This bill follows previous legislative efforts, including S 2691, S 2058, and S 465 from prior sessions, indicating ongoing legislative interest in addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system.

In summary, Bill S 905 represents a significant step towards improving the treatment of incarcerated individuals with mental health diagnoses by facilitating their transfer to appropriate care settings. The bill's success will depend on effective implementation and adequate support for the necessary mental health services.