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Mental Health Justice Act: Professionals Respond to Crises, Not Police

This act aims to change how emergencies involving individuals with mental illness or disabilities are handled. Instead of law enforcement, trained mental health professionals will be dispatched. This is intended to reduce arrests and deaths, and provide better community-based support.
Key points
Authorizes grants for states to hire and dispatch mental health professionals as first responders in mental health crises.
Requires training for these professionals in de-escalation and anti-racism, and connecting individuals to voluntary community services.
Prioritizes areas with high arrest rates for individuals with mental illness and mandates reporting to ensure reduced incarceration and use of force.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_1368
Sponsor: Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45]
Process start date: 2021-02-25
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Mental Health Justice Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_1368.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-02-25.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Authorizes grants for states to hire and dispatch mental health professionals as first responders in mental health crises.
  • Requires training for these professionals in de-escalation and anti-racism, and connecting individuals to voluntary community services.
  • Prioritizes areas with high arrest rates for individuals with mental illness and mandates reporting to ensure reduced incarceration and use of force.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Health Courts and Law Security