North Dakota House Bill HB1337

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Caption

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of health and human services for mental health services for incarcerated individuals; and to provide for a report.

Summary

House Bill 1337 proposes an appropriation of $10 million from the state general fund to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. The funds are intended to provide grants to counties for mental health and substance use disorder treatment services specifically for incarcerated individuals. The bill outlines that counties receiving these grants must report annually on the use of funds, services provided, individuals served, and the outcomes of these services. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to contract with private entities for these treatment services and must report to the legislative management by September 2026 regarding the effectiveness of the program and recommendations for future funding.

Impact

If enacted, HB1337 would significantly impact state laws by establishing a structured funding mechanism for mental health and substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals. This would enhance the availability of mental health services in correctional facilities, potentially leading to improved health outcomes for individuals in the criminal justice system. The requirement for counties to report on their use of funds and outcomes would also create a framework for accountability and assessment of the effectiveness of these services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1337 appears to be mixed, as it ultimately failed to pass in the legislative assembly. While there may have been support for increasing mental health services for incarcerated individuals, the lack of voting history and committee discussions suggests there may have been concerns regarding funding allocation or the implementation of such programs.

Contention

Notable points of contention likely revolve around the allocation of state funds for mental health services, particularly in the context of the criminal justice system. Some legislators may have raised concerns about the effectiveness of such programs, the potential for over-reliance on private entities for service provision, and the overall prioritization of funding for mental health versus other pressing state needs. Without specific voting records or committee discussions, the exact nature of these contentions remains speculative.