This is enabling legislation for the creation of Mental Health Courts at the county level. The statute is based on the drug court model currently in place. This bill does not mandate the creation of mental health courts, but leaves that decision to the local judicial circuits. The prosecutor is the gate keeper and will refer appropriate cases to the Mental Health Court. Mental Health Courts when implemented and operated properly can provide a huge savings to local governments in jail and medical costs while addressing public safety concerns.

With the closure of the state psychiatric hospitals these court programs can assist in diverting offenders with mental health issues to community mental health services instead of the jail.