LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 350
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Chapter 350
(House Bill 1018)
AN ACT concerning
Public Safety and Behavioral Health Improvement Act
Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services – Required
Performance Data and Scorecard
FOR the purpose of requiring the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim
Services to take certain actions related to the inclusion of performance data and
information in reports and the creation of a scorecard of quantifiable safety
indicators; requiring the Governor to include in the annual budget bill an
appropriation for the Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of
Excellence within the Office for the purposes of carrying out the Center’s mission;
requiring the Maryland Department of Health to adopt regulations establishing
criteria for certifying peer support specialists as nonclinical health care providers;
requiring the Governor to include in the annual budget bill an appropriation for the
Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence within the
Office for the purposes of carrying out the Center’s mission; establishing a behavioral
health screening grant program within the Department; requiring the Maryland
9–1–1 Board to establish training requirements for public safety answering point
personnel; requiring the Governor to appoint the Executive Director of the Office
with the advice and consent of the Senate; and generally relating to public safety
and behavioral health in the State the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth,
and Victim Services.
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Health – General
Section 13–4202
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – Health – General
Section 7.5–901 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 9. Peer Support Services”; and
13–4207
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Health – General
Section 13–4202
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
Ch. 350 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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BY adding to
Article – Health – General
Section 13–4207
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Public Safety
Section 1–301(a) and (b) and 1–306(a) and (e)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Public Safety
Section 1–306(b)(15)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – Public Safety
Section 1–306(h)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – State Government
Section 9–3501 through 9–3503 and 9–3502 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle
35. Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services”
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume)
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – Health – General
13–4202.
(a) There is a Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence
in the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.
(b) The purposes of the Center are to:
(1) Act as the statewide information repository for behavioral health
treatment and diversion programs related to the criminal justice system;
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 350
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(2) Lead the development of a strategic plan to increase treatment and
reduce the detention of individuals with behavioral health disorders involved in the criminal
justice system;
(3) Provide technical assistance to local governments for developing effective
behavioral health systems of care that prevent and minimize involvement with the criminal
justice system for individuals with behavioral health disorders;
(4) Facilitate local or regional planning workshops using the Sequential
Intercept Model;
(5) Coordinate with the Department and the Behavioral Health
Administration to implement and track the progress of creating an effective behavioral
health system of care in the State relating to individuals involved in the criminal justice
system; and
(6) Identify and inform any relevant stakeholders of any federal funding
available to the Center to carry out the mission of the Center, including through the provision
of grants, scholarships, and other funding to recipients engaged in training, the provision of
services, or the study of matters relating to behavioral health, public safety, and criminal
justice.
(c) In carrying out its duties, the Center shall continuously monitor and analyze
its models, plans, policies, strategies, programs, technical assistance, and training for their
validity and for opportunities to reduce and eliminate disparities in the criminalization of
racial minorities with behavioral health disorders and increase access to culturally
competent care.
(d) (1) The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services
shall appoint the following individuals to jointly oversee the Center:
(i) A crisis intervention law enforcement coordinator;
(ii) A mental health coordinator; and
(iii) Any other individuals determined necessary by the Office.
(2) The individuals appointed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may
be associated with the Crisis Intervention Team Center of Excellence within the Governor’s
Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.
(e) The Center may designate points of contact throughout the State who specialize
in behavioral health treatment within the criminal justice system to brief the Center on the
progress of statewide implementation of diversion programs.
Ch. 350 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(f) The Center may coordinate with the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board and
other State entities working to reduce State and local detention facility populations and
recidivism.
(g) (1) The Center may enter into contracts with the University of Maryland
System, Maryland HBCUs, or other entities or organizations for the purposes of carrying
out its mission.
(2) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , THE
GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE ANNUAL BUDG ET BILL AN APPROPRIA TION OF
$500,000 FOR THE CENTER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FO R THE PURPOSES OF
CARRYING OUT ITS MIS SION, INCLUDING:
(I) FACILITATING THE GATH ERING OF INFORMATION FROM ALL
COUNTIES IN THE STATE;
(II) SUPPORTING LOCAL OR R EGIONAL PLANNING WOR KSHOPS;
AND
(III) SUPPORTING THE PURPOS ES OF THE CENTER ESTABLISH ED
UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION.
(h) The operation of the Center is subject to the limitations of the State budget.
Article – Health – General
SUBTITLE 9. PEER SUPPORT SERVICES.
7.5–901.
(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE, “PEER SUPPORT SPECIAL IST” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL
WHO PROVIDES PEER SU PPORT SERVICES , AS DEFINED UNDER §
7.5–101 OF THIS TITLE.
(B) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOP T
REGULATIONS THAT EST ABLISH CRITERIA FOR CERTIFYING PEER SUPP ORT
SPECIALISTS AS NONCL INICAL HEALTH CA RE PROVIDERS .
(C) THE CRITERIA FOR CERT IFYING A PEER SUPPOR T SPECIALIST UNDER
THIS SECTION SHALL R EQUIRE AN INDIVIDUAL TO:
(1) HAVE BEEN IN RECOVERY FOR A MENTAL OR BEHA VIORAL
HEALTH DISORDER FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS; OR
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(2) HAVE AT LEAST 2 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS A FAMI LY MEMBER
OF OR CAREGIVER FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A MENTAL OR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
DISORDER.
13–4202.
(a) There is a Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence
in the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.
(b) The purposes of the Center are to:
(1) Act as the statewide information repository for behavioral health
treatment and diversion programs related to the criminal justice system;
(2) Lead the development of a strategic plan to increase treatment and
reduce the detention of individuals with behavioral health disorders involved in the
criminal justice system;
(3) Provide technical assistance to local governments for developing
effective behavioral health systems of care that prevent and minimize involvement with
the criminal justice system for individuals with behavioral health disorders;
(4) Facilitate local or regional planning workshops using the Sequential
Intercept Model;
(5) Coordinate with the Department and the Behavioral Health
Administration to implement and track the progress of creating an effective behavioral
health system of care in the State relating to individuals involved in the criminal justice
system; and
(6) Identify and inform any relevant stakeholders of any federal funding
available to the Center to carry out the mission of the Center, including through the
provision of grants, scholarships, and other funding to recipients engaged in training, the
provision of services, or the study of matters relating to behavioral health, public safety,
and criminal justice.
(c) In carrying out its duties, the Center shall continuously monitor and analyze
its models, plans, policies, strategies, programs, technical assistance, and training for their
validity and for opportunities to reduce and eliminate disparities in the criminalization of
racial minorities with behavioral health disorders and increase access to culturally
competent care.
(d) (1) The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services
shall appoint the following individuals to jointly oversee the Center:
(i) A crisis intervention law enforcement coordinator; Ch. 350 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(ii) A mental health coordinator; and
(iii) Any other individuals determined necessary by the Office.
(2) The individuals appointed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may
be associated with the Crisis Intervention Team Center of Excellence within the Governor’s
Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.
(e) The Center may designate points of contact throughout the State who
specialize in behavioral health treatment within the criminal justice system to brief the
Center on the progress of statewide implementation of diversion programs.
(f) The Center may coordinate with the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board
and other State entities working to reduce State and local detention facility populations
and recidivism.
(g) (1) The Center may enter into contracts with the University of Maryland
System, Maryland HBCUs, or other entities or organizations for the purposes of carrying
out its mission.
(2) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER ,
THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE ANNUAL BUDG ET BILL AN APPROPRIA TION
OF $500,000 FOR THE CENTER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FOR THE PU RPOSES OF
CARRYING OUT ITS MISS ION, INCLUDING:
(I) FACILITATING THE GATH ERING OF INFORMATION FROM
ALL COUNTIES IN THE STATE; AND
(II) SUPPORTING LOCAL OR R EGIONAL PLANNING WOR KSHOPS.
(h) The operation of the Center is subject to the limitations of the State budget.
13–4207.
(A) IN THIS SECTION , “PROGRAM” MEANS THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
SCREENING GRANT PROGRAM.
(B) (1) THERE IS A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SCREENING GRANT PROGRAM
IN THE DEPARTMENT .
(2) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO LOCAL
JURISDICTIONS TO ESTABLISH AND EXPAND BEHAVIORA L HEALTH SCREENING
PILOT PROGRAMS .
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(C) THE DEPARTMENT , IN COORDINATION WITH THE MARYLAND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE, SHALL
ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PURS UE ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO PROVIDE
GRANTS UNDER THE PROGRAM FROM THE FEDE RAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION .
(E) (1) THE PROGRAM SHALL AWARD C OMPETITIVE GRANTS TO
ENTITIES TO ESTABLIS H AND EXPAND BEHAVIO RAL HEALTH SCREENING PILOT
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TH AT:
(I) PROVIDE HEALTH SERVIC ES THAT QUICKLY ASSE SS THE
SEVERITY OF SUBSTANC E USE DISORDERS ;
(II) IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE LEVELS OF TREATMENT ;
(III) INCREASE INSIGHT AND AWARENESS REGARDING
SUBSTANCE USE AND MO TIVATION TOWARD BEHA VIORAL CHANGE ; AND
(IV) DIRECT THOSE IDENTIFI ED AS NEEDING MORE E XTENSIVE
TREATMENT TOWARD SPE CIALTY CARE.
(2) FOR EACH SERVICE OR P ROGRAM THAT RECEIVES FUNDING
UNDER THE PROGRAM, THE ENTITY SHALL REP ORT TO THE DEPARTMENT AND
MAKE AVAILABLE TO TH E PUBLIC:
(I) ALL OUTCOME MEASUREME NT DATA REQUIRED BY THE
DEPARTMENT ; AND
(II) ALL PUBLIC FEEDBACK R ECEIVED FROM THE COM MUNITY
THROUGH A COMBINATIO N OF SURVEYS , PUBLIC COMMENTS , TOWN HALL
MEETINGS, AND OTHER METHODS.
(3) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTA BLISH:
(I) APPLICATION PROCEDURE S;
(II) A STATEWIDE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION , AN INTERNAL SYSTEM OF OUTCOME ME ASUREMENT TO :
1. ASSESS THE EFFECTIVEN ESS AND ADEQUACY OF
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CR ISIS RESPONSE SERVIC ES AND PROGRAMS ; AND
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2. PRODUCE DATA THAT IS :
A. COLLECTED, ANALYZED, AND PUBLICLY REPORTE D
BACK AT LEAST ANNUAL LY; AND
B. DISAGGREGATED BY RACE , GENDER, AGE, AND ZIP
CODE; AND
(III) ANY OTHER PROCEDURES , GUIDELINES, OR CRITERIA
NECESSARY TO CARRY O UT THIS SECTION.
(F) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 EACH YEAR, BEGINNING IN 2023, THE
DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBM IT TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH §
2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY A
REPORT THAT INCLUDES :
(1) THE NUMBER OF GRANTS DISTRIBUTED;
(2) FUNDS DISTRIBUTED BY COUNTY;
(3) INFORMATION ABOUT GRA NT RECIPIENTS AND PR OGRAMS AND
SERVICES PROVIDED ; AND
(4) ANY AVAILABLE OUTCOME DATA.
(G) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE
ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 FOR THE PROGRAM.
Article – Public Safety
1–301.
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Board” means the Maryland 9–1–1 Board.
1–306.
(a) The Board shall coordinate the enhancement of county 9–1–1 systems.
(b) The Board’s responsibilities include:
(15) establishing training standards for public safety answering point
personnel based on national best practices, including: LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 350
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(I) training concerning Next Generation 9–1–1 topics and individual
psychological well–being and resilience; AND
(II) TRAINING ON:
1. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE SERV ICES
AND CONDITIONS;
2. CRISIS INTERVENTION ; AND
3. THE DIVERSION OF INDIVID UALS WITH BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH CONDITIONS AW AY FROM LAW ENFORCEM ENT RESPONSE TO MORE
APPROPRIATE RESOURCE S; AND
4. PROCEDURES TO TRIAGE AND MAKE APPROPRIATE
DISPATCH DECISIONS F OR INDIVIDUALS SUFFE RING AN ACUTE BEHAVI ORAL
HEALTH CRISI S;
(e) (1) The standards established by the Board under subsection (b)(15) of this
section shall include onboarding standards for newly hired 9–1–1 specialists and minimum
continuing education standards for 9–1–1 specialists.
(2) (i) At least once each year, the Board shall provide for an audit of
each public safety answering point in order to ensure that 9–1–1 specialists and other
personnel employed by the public safety answering point have satisfied the training
requirements established in accordance with subsection (b)(15) of this section.
(ii) The audit described under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph
may be conducted concurrently with an inspection of the public safety answering point in
accordance with subsection (b)(10) of this section.
(H) (1) THE BOARD SHALL ESTABLISH A PROCESS BY WHICH A PUBLIC
SAFETY ANSWERING POI NT MAY APPLY FOR A G RANT TO EXPAND PUBLI C SAFETY
ANSWERING POINT PERS ONNEL TRAINING DESCRIBED I N SUBSECTION (B)(15)(II)
OF THIS SECTION.
(2) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE
ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 FOR THE BOARD TO
PROVIDE GRANTS TO LO CAL JURISDICTIONS TO EXPAND TRAINING DESC RIBED IN
SUBSECTION (B)(15)(II) OF THIS SECTION.
Article – State Government
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SUBTITLE 35. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF CRIME PREVENTION, YOUTH, AND VICTIM
SERVICES.
9–3501.
IN THIS SUBTITLE , “OFFICE” MEANS THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF CRIME
PREVENTION, YOUTH, AND VICTIM SERVICES.
9–3502.
(A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY O THER PROVISION OF LA W, THE GOVERNOR
SHALL APPOINT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE WITH THE ADVIC E AND
CONSENT OF THE SENATE.
(B) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE SHALL SERVE AT THE
PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR.
9–3503.
(A) THE OFFICE SHALL ENSURE T HAT ALL REPORTS ISSU ED BY THE OFFICE
RELATED TO GRANT PROGR AMS INCLUDE:
(1) A SUMMARY OF ALL COL LECTED PERFORMANCE M EASURE DATA ;
AND
(2) INFORMATION NECESSAR Y TO PROVIDE TRANSPA RENCY IN THE
RESULTS OF COMPETITI VE GRANT AWARDS .
(B) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL CREATE , FOR INCLUSION IN ITS ANNUAL
REPORT, A SCORECARD OF QUANT IFIABLE SAFETY INDIC ATORS.
(2) THE OFFICE SHALL DETERMIN E APPROPRIATE INDICA TORS FOR
THE SCORECARD IN COO RDINATION WITH :
(I) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE;
(II) THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES;
(III) THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL;
(IV) THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR;
(V) THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 350
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(VI) THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AND
(VII) THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
(3) IN ADDITION TO THE IN DICATORS DETERMINED UNDER
PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , THE SCORECARD SHALL INCLUDE:
(I) CRIME STATISTICS FOR VIOLENT CRIME AND PR OPERTY
CRIME AS REPORTED IN THE UNIFORM CRIME REPORTS OR TH E NATIONAL
INCIDENT–BASED REPORTING SYSTEM, INCLUDING:
1. MURDER;
2. RAPE;
3. ROBBERY;
4. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ;
5. BREAKING OR ENTERING ;
6. LARCENY OR THEFT ; AND
7. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT ;
(II) CRIME CLEARANCE RATE S FOR THE CRIMES INCLUDED
UNDER ITEM (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH ;
(III) THE PORTION OF COMMI TTED CRIMES NOT REPO RTED TO
LAW ENFORCEMENT AS E STIMATED BASED ON TH E NATIONAL CRIME
VICTIMIZATION SURVEY OR OTHER SOURC ES;
(IV) INDICATORS OF SAFETY AND FAIRNESS IN T HE CRIMINAL
JUSTICE SYSTEM IN TH E STATE, INCLUDING:
1. THE NUMBER OF SERIOU S ASSAULTS ON STAFF AND
INMATES COMMITTED IN STATE CORRECTIONAL FA CILITIES;
2. POLICE USE OF FORCE STATISTICS;
3. THE NUMBER OF LAW EN FORCEMENT PERSONNEL
KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ;
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4. DISPARITY IN TRAFFIC STOPS, ARRESTS,
CONVICTIONS, AND SENTENCING BY RA CE AND ETHNICITY ; AND
5. AVAILABLE SURVEYS OF PUBLIC TRUST IN POLI CING
AND THE CRIMINAL JUS TICE SYSTEM IN THE STATE; AND
6. RATES OF JUDICIAL CO MPLIANCE WITH STATE
SENTENCING POLICIES BY RACE AND TYPE OF CASE; AND
(V) INDICATORS OF THE UN DERLYING FACTORS AND
CONDITIONS AFFECTING PROGRESS TOWARD A SA FER STATE, INCLUDING:
1. UNEMPLOYMENT RATES B Y AGE, GENDER, RACE,
ETHNICITY, AND REGION;
2. SCHOOL DROPOUT RATES ;
3. POPULATION DENSITY A ND DEGREE OF
URBANIZATION ;
4. PERCENTAGE OF RESIDE NTS BELOW THE FEDERA L
POVERTY THRESHOLD ;
5. MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INC OME; AND
6. ACCESS TO MENTAL HEA LTH, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ,
AND ADDICTION TREATM ENT.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Executive Director of the
Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services who is serving on the
effective date of this Act may continue to serve until 2 years after the effective date of this
Act and may be reappointed after the expiration of the Executive Director’s term.
SECTION 3. 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2022.
Approved by the Governor, May 16, 2022.