Minnesota Senate Bill SF1450

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23
• Report Pass: 3/1/23

Caption

Mental health unit pilot program for individuals with mental illness and incarcerated in jails establishment

Impact

If passed, SF1450 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws pertaining to corrections and mental health care. Specifically, it aims to reduce the gap in necessary mental health services for incarcerated individuals by providing specialized care in a dedicated mental health unit. It is anticipated that the findings and experiences gathered from this pilot program could provide valuable insights for future legislation on mental health treatment in the corrections system, potentially leading to broader changes in state policies related to mental health and incarceration.

Summary

SF1450 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the mental health needs of individuals incarcerated in county jails by establishing a pilot program. This program will be conducted in partnership with selected counties that volunteer to participate. The program's main objective is to provide mental health care specifically for those with serious and persistent mental illnesses who find themselves in the corrections system. The bill mandates that counties participating in the pilot program will be responsible for paying a per diem reimbursement for the mental health services provided by the Minnesota Correctional Facility - Oak Park Heights.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding SF1450, particularly regarding its funding and the execution of the pilot program. Concerns could arise regarding whether the allocated resources will sufficiently address the needs of individuals with mental illness and if the program can adequately involve local stakeholders, such as healthcare providers and law enforcement. Additionally, as with many legislative proposals, there may be debates on the most effective approaches to integrate mental health care within the corrections environment, as well as the program's long-term sustainability beyond its pilot phase, slated to expire in November 2024.