Relating to behavioral health deflection programs.

SB 782 increases the minimum grant amount counties and tribal governments can receive for behavioral health deflection programs to $500,000 per application. The bill establishes a state program requiring counties to coordinate with law enforcement, mental health providers, and other partners to create community-based pathways for individuals with substance use or behavioral health disorders, avoiding criminal justice involvement. It mandates detailed applications describing program coordination, cultural responsiveness, language access, and data tracking to measure outcomes. The policy directly affects local governments and tribal entities administering these programs, aiming to reduce unnecessary law enforcement and incarceration encounters for people with behavioral health needs.