How SB 837 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a new grant program focused on alternatives to incarceration for individuals with mental illness while making some amendments to existing statutes regarding grants and eligibility criteria.

• 165.95 (5) (b)

  A county or tribe that receives a grant under this section shall comply with state audits and shall submit an annual report to the department of justice and to the oversight committee created under par. (a) regarding the impact of the program on jail and prison populations and its progress in attaining the goals specified in sub. (3) (b) and (f). → A county or tribe that receives a grant under this section shall comply with state audits and shall submit an annual report to the department and to the oversight committee created under par. (a) regarding its progress in attaining the goals specified in sub. (3) (c) and (f).

  This change updates the reporting requirements for counties or tribes that receive grants to focus on specific progress goals.

• 302.43

  This section does not apply to a person who is confined in the county jail in connection with his or her participation in a substance abuse treatment program that meets the requirements of s. 165.95 (3), as determined by the department of justice under s. 165.95 (9) and (10). → This section does not apply to a person who is confined in the county jail in connection with his or her participation in a substance abuse treatment program or a mental health treatment program that meets the requirements of s. 165.95 (3), as determined by the department of justice under s. 165.95 (9) and (10).

  This change expands the exemption from good time calculations for inmates participating in mental health treatment programs.

• 961.472 (5) (b)

  The person is participating in a substance abuse treatment program that meets the requirements of s. 165.95 (3), as determined by the department of justice under s. 165.95 (9) and (10). → The person is participating in a substance abuse treatment program or a mental health treatment program that meets the requirements of s. 165.95 (3), as determined by the department of justice under s. 165.95 (9) and (10).

  This change allows individuals in mental health treatment programs similar eligibility as those in substance abuse treatment programs for assessments.

• 967.11 (1)

  “approved substance abuse treatment program” means a substance abuse treatment program that meets the requirements of s. 165.95 (3), as determined by the department of justice under s. 165.95 (9) and (10). → “approved substance abuse treatment program” means a substance abuse treatment program or a mental health treatment program that meets the requirements of s. 165.95 (3), as determined by the department of justice under s. 165.95 (9) and (10).

  This change allows mental health treatment programs to be recognized alongside substance abuse programs for approvals.