Grant programs.

Existing law, as added by the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, a measure approved by the voters at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election, creates the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund, a continuously appropriated fund, which is funded by savings that accrue to the state from the implementation of the act. Existing law provides that 65% of the moneys deposited in the fund shall be disbursed to the Board of State and Community Corrections to administer a grant program to fund public agencies that support mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system. Proposition 47 provides that its provisions may be amended by a statute that is consistent with and furthers its intent and that is passed by a 23 vote of each house of the Legislature and is signed by the Governor. Proposition 47 also provides that the Legislature may, by majority vote, amend, add, or repeal provisions to further reduce the penalties for offenses it addresses. This bill would require the board, in awarding those grants, to allocate at least 23 of the grant funding to public behavioral health agencies, or other public agencies that provide behavioral health services, that will use the grant funds to provide evidence-based mental health services and substance use disorder treatment services that are provided by licensed or certified behavioral health professionals and counselors.