H.R. 8542 · 117th Congress
Mental Health Justice Act of 2022
- Stage
- Passed a chamber
- Sponsor
- Katie Porter
- Introduced
- 2022-07-27
- Latest action
- 2022-09-27 · Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Summary
Mental Health Justice Act of 2022
This bill creates a grant program for states, tribal entities, and local governments to train and dispatch mental health professionals to respond, instead of law enforcement officers, to emergencies that involve people with behavioral health needs.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must manage the program in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ). SAMHSA may cancel grants that increase incarceration or institutionalization.
The Department of Health and Human Services and DOJ must evaluate this program.