HB 1767 creates a grant program that aims to expand alternatives to arrest and incarceration for individuals with substance abuse disorders. HB 1767 passed both chambers, however the bill was amended in the Senate and now must return to the House for concurrence.
As amended, HB 1767 does the following:
- Creates a grant program that supports local initiatives to properly identify criminal justice system-involved persons with substance use disorders and other behavioral health needs. Once identified, the individuals will be offered therapeutic interventions and other services as needed. Intervention can occur prior to, or at the time of, jail booking or while in custody.
- Requires the grant program to have measurable outcomes that may be used in the future to evaluate the performance of grant recipients and hold them accountable for the use of funding.
- Defines initial expected outcomes to include: (a) reduction of arrests, time spent in custody, and/or recidivism; (b) increased access to and utilization of nonemergency community behavioral health services; (c) reduction of unnecessary utilization of emergency services; (d) increased resilience, stability, and well-being; and (e) reduced costs for the justice system compared to processing cases as usual through the justice system.
- Requires preparation of a plan, timetable, and budget by December 1, 2019 for delivery to the Governor and the Legislature to transition the grant program to a performance-based contracting format and to establish an evidence-based evaluation framework.
- Subject to appropriation, requires the Research & Data Division of the Department of Social and Health Services and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to provide technical assistance and consultation to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion National Support Bureau to support plan development.
- Allows tribal government entities, tribal organizations, or urban Indian organizations to apply for grant funding.