Mental Health Justice Act of 2023

The Mental Health Justice Act of 2023 provides $250 million over five years in federal grants to states, tribes, and local governments to establish programs where mental health professionals respond to certain emergencies instead of police. It directly affects individuals in mental health crises, substance use situations, or with intellectual/developmental disabilities who call 911 or emergency hotlines, as well as dispatch centers and first responder agencies. Key provisions require grantees to train mental health responders in de-escalation techniques, link individuals to voluntary community services, track outcomes like reduced incarceration, and report quarterly on dispatch data. The bill mandates data disaggregation by race, gender, and disability status to prevent institutionalization and includes safeguards ensuring police remain available for imminent threats.