HR1109: HR1109 Mental Health Sentencing and Treatment Alternatives Act; commend advancement by General Assembly; recognize urgent need for sentencing alternatives for Georgians with serious mental illness

26 LC 48 1642 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 tre atment programs for1 Georgians with serious mental illness; commending the General Assembly for advancing the2 "Mental Health Sentencing and Treatment Alternatives Act"; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, thousands of Georgians incarcerated in prisons and jai ls live with serious4 mental illness, too often without adequate treatment, leading to cycles of crisis, recidivism,5 homelessness, and harm to families; and6 WHEREAS, Georgia has established mental health courts and in-cu stody treatment7 requirements, but lacks a uniform statutory framework at the se ntencing stage to ensure8 access to comprehensive mental health alternatives; and9 WHEREAS, untreated mental illness behind bars increases costs t o taxpayers, strains10 correctional systems, and undermines public safety; and11 WHEREAS, other states, such as Washington, have adopted mental health sentencing12 alternatives with proven outcomes in reducing recidivism and im proving stability, but13 Georgia can lead the nation with a more comprehensive model; and14 H. R. 1109 - 1 - 26 LC 48 1642 WHEREAS, the "Mental Health Sentencing and Treatment Alternatives Act" would ensure15 continuity of care from sentencing through release, leverage Medicaid and federal funds, and16 build in transparency and oversight to protect public safety and fiscal responsibility.17 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that18 the members of this body recognize and support the passage of t he "Mental Health19 Sentencing and Treatment Alternatives Act" as a landmark step in justice, public safety, and20 humane treatment.21 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized22 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the23 Governor, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the24 Department of Community Health, the Administrative Office of th e Courts, and other25 relevant stakeholders.26 H. R. 1109 - 2 -