Bills · HR 1392
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1392Health personnelCorrectional facilities and imprisonment
Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 14· LAST ACTION FEB 14
READING
14MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to address a significant public health and safety issue: the high rate of mental illness among incarcerated individuals and the challenges they face in accessing care upon release. Currently, many individuals with mental health conditions cycle through the criminal justice system, often leaving jail or prison without adequate support, which can lead to homelessness, emergency room visits, and re-offending.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to better mental health outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals, potentially reducing recidivism rates and improving public safety. By providing proactive screenings and direct referrals to care, it could also lessen the burden on emergency services and local communities that often bear the cost of untreated mental illness. If it doesn't become law, the current fragmented system for addressing mental health in re-entry would likely continue, with individuals struggling to find care and communities facing the associated social and economic costs.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a grant program for states and localities to conduct mental health screenings at jail/prison intake and provide referrals to mental healthcare providers upon exit.
This provides a dedicated funding stream to address mental health needs early in incarceration and ensure continuity of care post-release.
PROVISION 02
Requires grant recipients to hire mental health liaison staff and establish outreach teams composed of mental health professionals.
This ensures dedicated personnel are responsible for coordinating care and actively connecting individuals to services.
PROVISION 03
Mandates specific procedures for screening, including using a 5-10 question survey based on the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen, and for post-release follow-up by outreach teams.
These detailed requirements ensure a standardized and robust approach to identifying and referring individuals with severe mental illness.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Bureau of Prisons to establish a similar program for individuals in federal detention centers.
This extends the benefits of the mental health screening and referral program to the federal justice system, covering a broader population.
PROVISION 05
Establishes an Advisory Board to manage and administer the grant program and evaluate its impact.
This provides oversight and ensures accountability and effectiveness of the new mental health initiatives.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· New Jersey
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
21
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 14
Introduced in House
FEB 14
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1392
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 14, 2025
Last actionFeb 14, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 14, 2025
House BillHR 1392Health personnelCorrectional facilities and imprisonment
Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 14, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 14, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
14 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
