Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB308

Introduced

3/10/23

Refer

3/10/23

Caption

Further providing for Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and establishing the Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee and the Mental Health and Justice Grant Program.

Impact

The bill proposes a structured approach to providing advisory and financial assistance to enhance treatment for individuals facing mental health challenges. By creating the Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee, the legislation seeks to bring together various stakeholders, including representatives from multiple state departments, local agencies, and mental health advocates. This will facilitate better planning and implementation of programs that both prevent criminal justice involvement and improve recovery outcomes for individuals with mental health issues.

Summary

House Bill 308 aims to amend the existing Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Law by establishing the Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee along with the Mental Health and Justice Grant Program. This initiative is designed to foster improved collaboration among state departments and agencies regarding the treatment and services for individuals with mental illnesses who are involved or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. The bill emphasizes the need for cohesive strategies to enhance public safety while addressing mental health needs, thereby integrating mental health treatment into criminal justice discussions.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 308 appears to be positive, with support stemming from advocates of mental health reform who view the establishment of an advisory committee and grant program as essential steps towards bridging the gap between mental health services and the criminal justice system. Nonetheless, there may be concerns regarding funding and the effective implementation of these initiatives, which need to be addressed in further discussions.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding how funding will be allocated for the Mental Health and Justice Grant Program, and whether the strategies proposed will adequately address the diverse needs of individuals with mental illnesses. Questions may arise about the effectiveness of advisory committees in influencing actual policy changes and the balance between mental health intervention and public safety. The bill's success will depend on collaboration and commitment from all involved parties to effectively support those at the intersection of mental health and justice.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1418

Further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of the commission; providing for racial impact statement for juvenile matters laws; further providing for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee; and establishing the Youth Advisory Board and the Juvenile Nonresidential Evidence-based Practices Fund.

PA HB1085

Providing for Indigent Defense Advisory Committee; and establishing the Indigent Defense Grant Program.

PA SB371

Providing for Indigent Defense Advisory Committee; and establishing the Indigent Defense Grant Program.

PA HB2274

In school health services, providing for mental health awareness and model curriculum and establishing the Mental Health Education Advisory Committee.

PA HB1630

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA HB1113

PA HB0063

Criminal Justice and Mental Health Coordination Amendments

PA SB1345

In budget and finance, providing for retired police dogs; establishing the K-9 Retirement Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

PA HB1673

Further providing for definitions and for justice reinvestment grants, phase 2.

PA HB648

Providing for the Office of Health Equity; establishing the Health Equity Advisory Committee; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

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