Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates $42.83 million to the Department of Human Services for mental health services and establishes children's health programs.

Highlights:

• Appropriates $42.83 million to the Department of Human Services for distribution to a county or region as follows (Sec. 15):
• $31.39 million for appropriations to all counties or regions determined by the population of the county or region; and
• $11.44 million for appropriations to certain counties or regions which reported “net expenditures from the county’s services fund” greater than the sum of the amounts appropriated to the county or region.

• Defines “net expenditures from the county services fund” as county payments for non-Medicaid services for mental health, intellectual disability, and developmental disabilities services (Sec. 15).

• Establishes the “Children’s Cabinet” to perform duties that include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 26):
• Recommend operating provisions for homes for children implemented by the Department of Health Services;
• Gather information on the policy’s affecting children and families, and address any overlap, gaps, or conflicts between service systems; and
• Ensure services offered by the Department of Health Services are evidence-based.

• Requires an agency or organization that receives a recommendation from the Children’s Cabinet to respond in writing and detail how the recommendation was addressed within 60 business days (Sec. 26).

• Establishes the Center for Child Health Innovation and Excellence to address children’s health issues including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 29):
• Develop community-based initiates to promote healthy child development;
• Develop early childhood mental health certification for professionals and others engaged in working with young children; and
• Review and analyze public policy efforts directed towards child health. 

Full Bill Text