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H.R. 8639

Mental Health Justice Act of 2020

Mental Health Justice Act of 2020

This bill creates a grant program for states and local governments to train and dispatch mental health professionals to respond, instead of law enforcement officers, to emergencies that involve people with behavioral health needs.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must manage the program in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ). SAMHSA may cancel grants that increase incarceration or institutionalization. Grantees must use funds for purposes including de-escalation and anti-racism training.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the DOJ must evaluate this program.

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45](D-CA)Sponsor
41 cosponsors41 D
41cosponsors2committees4actions20subjects
  1. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    Judiciary Committee
  2. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  3. IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  4. IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Mental Health Justice Act of 2020 — Informed