Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR122

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Passed
4/4/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  

Caption

Urging The Governor's Senior Advisor For Mental Health And The Justice System To Define Their Role And To Provide An Annual Report To The Legislature On The Progress The State Has Made Towards Jail Diversion.

Impact

The resolution points out the inadequacies of current jail diversion referrals, highlighting that only 1% were accepted in the past year. By requesting comprehensive data on community programs, the resolution seeks to establish a clear understanding of the existing capacity, unmet needs, and the effectiveness of various initiatives. The annual report mandated by SR122 would provide valuable insights into the mental health landscape as it intersects with law enforcement, potentially guiding future legislation and budgetary considerations to enhance service delivery.

Summary

Senate Resolution 122 (SR122) urges the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to clarify their role and to provide an annual report regarding the progress Hawaii has made towards jail diversion. This initiative reflects an increasing recognition of the need to improve mental health services in conjunction with the criminal justice system, aiming to reduce the number of individuals with mental health issues being incarcerated. SR122 builds on previous recommendations for community-based services designed to alleviate the burden on state facilities while providing adequate care and support for those in need.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR122 is largely supportive, as it aligns with growing calls for reform in the way mental health is addressed within the justice system. Legislators from both parties have recognized the importance of effective jail diversion programs. However, there are underlying concerns regarding the implementation and the potential for defined roles to lead to more bureaucracy if not managed effectively. The tension between adequate support and systemic oversight remains a significant theme in discussions surrounding this resolution.

Contention

While SR122 directly calls for the improvements in the reporting and structuring of mental health initiatives in relation to the justice system, a point of contention could arise if the Senior Advisor does not take effective actions based on the report's findings. The resolution encourages not only the evaluation of existing programs but also urges for legislative proposals that could further enhance mental health treatment's integration within the judicial process. Potential resistance could emerge from stakeholders worried about budget reallocations or shifts in focus from direct service provision to more administrative oversight.

Companion Bills

HI SCR135

Same As Urging The Governor's Senior Advisor For Mental Health And The Justice System To Define Their Role And To Provide An Annual Report To The Legislature On The Progress The State Has Made Towards Jail Diversion.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR135

Urging The Governor's Senior Advisor For Mental Health And The Justice System To Define Their Role And To Provide An Annual Report To The Legislature On The Progress The State Has Made Towards Jail Diversion.

HI SR113

Urging The Department Of Health To Support Developing Additional Mental Wellness Facilities For Children, Adolescents, And Young Adults, In Addition To Improving The Overall Continuum Of Their Mental Health Care, As Identified In The Recent United States Surgeon General's Advisory.

HI SCR92

Requests that the Department of Health study, plan, and report on establishing a nursing facility diversion program for senior and other citizens.

HI SCR128

Urging The Department Of Health To Support Developing Additional Mental Wellness Facilities For Children, Adolescents, And Young Adults, In Addition To Improving The Overall Continuum Of Their Mental Health Care, As Identified In The Recent United States Surgeon General's Advisory.

HI SR81

Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Public Safety To Work In Collaboration To Preserve The Health And Safety Of Special Needs Inmates And Others In The State's Jails And Prisons.

HI SR37

Urging The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation To Expand The Kau Rural Health Clinic To Improve Access To Urgent Care And Outpatient Behavioral Health Services.

HI SR41

Requesting That The Department Of Agriculture Convene An Advisory Commission To Address Certain Issues To Guide Action And Progress In The Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Food Systems Industries Of The State.

HI S524

Creates Mental Health Diversion Program to divert eligible persons away from criminal justice system and into appropriate case management and mental health services.

HI SR103

Strongly Urging The Supreme Court Of The United States To Adopt A Formal Ethics Code For The Justices.

HI A1700

Creates Mental Health Diversion Program to divert eligible persons away from criminal justice system and into appropriate case management and mental health services.

Similar Bills

HI SCR135

Urging The Governor's Senior Advisor For Mental Health And The Justice System To Define Their Role And To Provide An Annual Report To The Legislature On The Progress The State Has Made Towards Jail Diversion.

LA HCR129

Requests that certain enumerated state agencies implement recommendations related to the Informal Families in Need of Services process

MS SR21

Recognize Dr. Ann Fisher-Wirth as the recipient of the 2023 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Literature & Poetry.

NJ A3460

Requires federal funding to be made available to Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to support Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse if needed to offset unanticipated decrease in dedicated revenues.

NJ S2831

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TX HB4093

Relating to the appointment of the director of the governor's office of homeland security.

LA SB170

Provides relative to the creation of the office of human trafficking prevention. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HR314

Urges and requests the Department of Public Safety, office of state police, to study methods of enhancing security measures at the Governor's Mansion