Sen. Franken's Bipartisan Measure to Combat Mental Health Crisis in Criminal Justice System Clears Key Hurdle

Press Release

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed U.S. Sen. Al Franken's (D-Minn.) bipartisan legislation to make communities safer by improving access to mental health services for people in the criminal justice system who need treatment.

In January, Sen. Franken and Rep. Rich Nugent (R-Fla.) introduced the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act to bring more resources to law enforcement, the courts, and correctional facilities to help them better deal with the increasingly-prevalent mental health issues they encounter. The legislation will help reduce the rate of repeat offenders and improve safety for law enforcement officials.

"We've been using our criminal justice system as a substitute for a well-functioning mental health system-we've sort of criminalized mental illness and addiction," said Sen. Franken. "I'm pleased my legislation to make our communities safer and stronger by helping our justice and mental health systems work together is one step closer to becoming law."

The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act would improve outcomes for the criminal justice system, the mental health system, and for those with mental health conditions by doing the following, among other things:

Extending the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act for five years, thus continuing support for mental health courts and crisis intervention teams;
Authorizing investments in veterans treatment courts, which serve veterans who suffer from PTSD, substance addiction, and other mental health conditions;
Increasing focus on corrections-based programs, such as transitional services that reduce recidivism rates and screening practices that identify inmates with mental health conditions; and
Supporting the development of curricula for police academies and orientations.

Over 240 organizations from across the nation have endorsed the bill, including leading law enforcement and corrections groups, veterans services organizations, and mental health advocates.

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