Signed by Governor Andy Beshear

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program to provide eligible individuals an alternative to receive treatment for a behavioral health disorder instead of incarceration.

Highlights:

• Establishes a behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program in at least ten counties (Sec. 1).

• Specifies required reports of the participants after being treated in the program (Sec. 1).

• Specifies eligibility for the program (Sec. 3).

• Requires the attorney for the Commonwealth to double-check the criminal’s eligibility for the program, consult with the victim, and explain the program to the victim (Sec. 4).

• Requires the dismissal of charges of the defendant and the discharge of the defendant after the completion of the program (Sec. 6).

• Requires sealing the records of the defendant related to the case after the completion of the program (Sec. 6).

• Requires the program to provide participants with resources needed for recovery and prevent participants from committing crimes due to a behavioral health disorder upon the completion of the program (Sec. 7).

• Requires the Office of Adult Education to establish a plan to help participants attain employment outcomes (Sec. 9).

• Requires the Department of Workforce Investment to provide participants with financial assistance (Sec. 9).

• Establishes the Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Program Implementation Council to assist in the implementation of the program (Sec. 10).

Full Bill Text