House Resolution 1109
By: Representatives Scott of the 76th, Schofield of the 63rd, and Davis of the 87th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the urgent need for sentencing alternatives and treatment programs for
Georgians with serious mental illness; commending the General Assembly for advancing the
"Mental Health Sentencing and Treatment Alternatives Act"; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, thousands of Georgians incarcerated in prisons and jails live with serious
mental illness, too often without adequate treatment, leading to cycles of crisis, recidivism,
homelessness, and harm to families; and
WHEREAS, Georgia has established mental health courts and in-custody treatment
requirements, but lacks a uniform statutory framework at the sentencing stage to ensure
access to comprehensive mental health alternatives; and
WHEREAS, untreated mental illness behind bars increases costs to taxpayers, strains
correctional systems, and undermines public safety; and
WHEREAS, other states, such as Washington, have adopted mental health sentencing
alternatives with proven outcomes in reducing recidivism and improving stability, but
Georgia can lead the nation with a more comprehensive model; and
WHEREAS, the "Mental Health Sentencing and Treatment Alternatives Act" would ensure
continuity of care from sentencing through release, leverage Medicaid and federal funds, and
build in transparency and oversight to protect public safety and fiscal responsibility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and support the passage of the "Mental Health
Sentencing and Treatment Alternatives Act" as a landmark step in justice, public safety, and
humane treatment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
Governor, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the
Department of Community Health, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and other
relevant stakeholders.