HB578 (2021) Detail

Relative to standards for mental health courts.


HB 578-FN - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2021 SESSION

21-0737

04/10

 

HOUSE BILL 578-FN

 

AN ACT relative to standards for mental health courts.

 

SPONSORS: Rep. Cannon, Straf. 18; Rep. Berch, Ches. 1; Rep. Walz, Merr. 23; Rep. Shurtleff, Merr. 11; Sen. Reagan, Dist 17

 

COMMITTEE: Judiciary

 

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ANALYSIS

 

This bill requires the chief justice of the supreme court to submit a report on the standards necessary to implement a statewide mental health court system.

 

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

21-0737

04/10

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty One

 

AN ACT relative to standards for mental health courts.

 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 

1  Purpose.  The general court finds that: mental health diversion programs, operating in certain courts around New Hampshire, have increased access to treatment for individuals and families impacted by mental health issues.  A statewide system of mental health courts would expand access to treatment services across the state and save taxpayer dollars by preventing incarceration of individuals with mental illness who become justice-involved due to symptoms or behaviors arising from their illness.

2  Mental Health Court Standards; Report.

I.  In order to increase access to mental health treatment services and maximize savings to taxpayers, the chief justice of the New Hampshire supreme court shall submit a report establishing standards for a statewide system of mental health courts to reduce criminal justice system costs, reduce recidivism, and better treat the mental health needs of individuals with mental illness.  To establish these standards the chief justice shall, either internally or through an independent consultant, review successful programs in other states and localities, and shall identify models for staffing and structure to extend access to mental health courts to all New Hampshire residents.

II.  The report shall be submitted to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the chairpersons of the house and senate policy committees with jurisdiction over judicial branch matters, the chief justice of the New Hampshire superior court, and the administrative judge of the New Hampshire circuit court on or before November 1, 2021.

3  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect upon its passage.

 

LBA

21-0737

12/23/20

 

HB 578-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS INTRODUCED

 

AN ACT relative to standards for mental health courts.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Legislative Budget Assistant has determined that this legislation, as introduced, has a total fiscal impact of less than $10,000 in each of the fiscal years 2021 through 2024.

 

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

Judicial Branch

 

Links


Date Body Type
Feb. 23, 2021 House Hearing
March 2, 2021 House Exec Session
March 2, 2021 House Exec Session
March 10, 2021 House Exec Session
House Floor Vote

Bill Text Revisions

HB578 Revision: 31879 Date: Jan. 12, 2021, 1:28 p.m.

Docket


: Minority Committee Report: Ought to Pass


March 22, 2021: Minority Committee Report: Ought to Pass


March 22, 2021: Majority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate (Vote 11-10; RC) HC 18 P. 76


: Majority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate (Vote 11-10; RC) HC 18 P. 76


March 10, 2021: Executive Session: 03/10/2021 09:00 am Members of the public may attend using the following link: To join the webinar: https://www.zoom.us/j/95164452682


March 2, 2021: Executive Session: 03/02/2021 9:00 a.m. Members of the public may attend using the following links: 1. To join the webinar: https://www.zoom.us/j/95501229688 2. Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): 1-929-205-6099 3. Webinar ID: 955 0122 9688 The following email will be monitored throughout the meeting by someone who can assist with and alert the committee to any technical issues: hcs@leg.state.nh.us or call (603-271-3600).


March 2, 2021: ==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 03/02/2021 09:00 am Members of the public may attend using the following link: To join the webinar: https://www.zoom.us/j/95501229688


Feb. 23, 2021: Public Hearing: 02/23/2021 02:00 pm Members of the public may attend using the following link: To join the webinar: https://www.zoom.us/j/91815905671 / Executive session on pending legislation may be held throughout the day (time permitting) from the time the committee is initially convened.


Jan. 12, 2021: Introduced (in recess of) 01/06/2021 and referred to Judiciary HJ 2 P. 54


Jan. 6, 2021: Introduced (in recess of) 01/06/2021 and referred to Judiciary HJ 2 P. 54