2009 House Bill 4136

Establish diversion of mental illness jail diversion procedures

Introduced in the House

Feb. 4, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Bob Constan (D-16)

To require "primary jail diversion stakeholders" to establish procedures for diverting mentally ill individuals who commit crimes from jail. These “stakeholders” include judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, mental health providers, law enforcement officials, family members of individuals with mental illness, and more. “Prebooking” interventions aim to divert mentally ill suspects in nonviolent misdemeanors to treatment programs rather than jail and include crisis stabilization and residential care, hospitalization, housing, medical attention, community mental health services, and other natural supports, including family and friends. “Postbooking” procedures also pursue alternatives to prosecution and incarceration.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary