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.

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.