COMM MENTAL HEALTH

Amends the Community Mental Health Act. Replaces the definition of "person with a developmental disability" with a definition of "developmental disability", and defines that term to mean a disability attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism or to any other condition that results in impairment similar to that caused by mental retardation and that requires services similar to those required by mentally retarded persons, not inconsistent with federal or State definitions. Adds a definition of "direct recipient services". Adds a definition of "mental illness". Removes the definition of "substance abuse" and adds a definition of "substance use disorder", encompassing substance abuse, dependence, and addiction, not inconsistent with federal or State definitions. Makes several changes to the powers of a community mental health board. Provides that a board shall authorize the disbursement of money from the community mental health fund for payment for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the board. Changes the time allowed for the board to publish its annual budget and report from 60 to 120 days after the end of the fiscal year and requires publication in a newspaper distributed within the jurisdiction of the board (instead of a newspaper "published" within the jurisdiction of the board). Provides that the board has the power to establish compensation and set policies for its personnel and may enter into multiple-year joint agreements with federal, State, and local governments. Changes references to "substance abuse" and "substance abuser" to "substance use disorder" and "person with a substance use disorder". Makes other changes. Effective immediately.