Maryland Senate Bill SB781

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Public Safety and Behavioral Health Improvement Act

Impact

One significant aspect of SB781 is the establishment of a Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence. This center will serve as a repository for information on behavioral health treatments and will lead the development of strategic plans that aim to reduce the detention of individuals suffering from behavioral health issues. By providing technical assistance to local governments, the center seeks to improve local behavioral health systems, ensuring they are more effective in managing the intersection of public safety and health.

Summary

Senate Bill 781, titled the Public Safety and Behavioral Health Improvement Act, focuses on enhancing integration between public safety and behavioral health services in Maryland. The bill mandates the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services to compile performance data and establish a scorecard for measuring safety indicators. This initiative aims to create a more robust framework for addressing the needs of individuals with behavioral health disorders within the criminal justice system, emphasizing prevention and treatment rather than detention.

Contention

While the bill's proponents praise its potential to create a comprehensive support system for individuals facing behavioral health challenges, there are concerns regarding the implementation and funding of these initiatives. Key points of contention include the appropriations necessary for the center's operations and the metrics to measure success in behavioral health outcomes. Critics might argue that the focus on data and scorecards could distract from the tangible support that individuals in crisis need, advocating for a more direct approach to service provision rather than an emphasis on performance indicators.