108TH CONGRESS

REPORT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

2d Session

108-732

--MENTALLY ILL OFFENDER TREATMENT AND CRIME REDUCTION ACT OF 2004

OCTOBER 5, 2004- Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

Mr. SENSENBRENNER, from the Committee on the Judiciary, submitted the following

R E P O R T

[To accompany S. 1194]

[Including Committee Cost Estimate]

CONTENTS Page
The Amendment 2
Purpose and Summary 8
Background and Need for the Legislation 8
Hearings 8
Committee Consideration 9
Vote of the Committee 9
Committee Oversight Findings 9
New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures 9
Committee Cost Estimate 9
Performance Goals and Objectives 9
Constitutional Authority Statement 9
Section-by-Section Analysis and Discussion 10
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported 10
Committee Jurisdiction Letters 19
Markup Transcript 22

THE AMENDMENT

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

SEC. 3. PURPOSE.

SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MENTAL HEALTH AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COLLABORATION PROGRAM.

`PART HH--ADULT AND JUVENILE COLLABORATION PROGRAM GRANTS

`SEC. 2991. ADULT AND JUVENILE COLLABORATION PROGRAMS.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

S. 1194, the `Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004,' creates a grant program to encourage state and local governments to improve their treatment of mentally ill offenders. The grants can be used: to fund mental health courts or diversion programs; to promote cooperation between the criminal justice and mental health personnel; or to train criminal justice and mental health personnel on issues relating to mentally ill offenders.

On June 22, 2004, the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing to examine the prevalence of mental illness in the criminal justice system and to explore ways to improve the situation. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (`BJS') estimates that as many as 16% of inmates in the nation's prisons and jails suffer from mental illness. Mentally ill inmates are more expensive to house, and they are generally confined for longer periods than other inmates because their illness complicates their release.

The Committee adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute that ensures an appropriate role for victims and law enforcement personnel in dealing with mentally ill offenders, encourages graduated sanctions, limits the amount of authorizations, and encourages continued monitoring of mentally ill offenders after release.

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION

BJS estimated in 1999 that 16% of State prison inmates, 7% of Federal inmates, and 16% of inmates in local jails or on probation reported either a mental condition or an overnight stay in a mental hospital. According to BJS, white inmates were more likely than blacks or Hispanics to report a mental illness, and offender mental illness was highest for those between the ages of 45 and 54.

According to this study and others, homelessness and unemployment are more prevalent among the mentally ill. Additional statistics show that six in ten mentally ill State inmates were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the offense, and one third of all mentally ill offenders were dependent on alcohol. BJS also found that six in ten of the mentally ill received treatment while incarcerated.

These statistics show the importance of mental health treatment as well as additional assistance for mentally ill offenders. They also illustrate the importance of treating substance abuse problems as well as the underlying mental illnesses.

HEARINGS

The Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on S. 1194 on June 22, 2004. Testimony was received from 4 witnesses, representing various organizations, with additional material submitted for the record by other individuals and organizations.

COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On September 23, 2004, the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security met in open session and ordered favorably reported the bill S. 1194, with an amendment, by a voice vote, a quorum being present. On September 30, 2004, the Committee met in open session and ordered favorably reported the bill S. 1194, with an amendment, by voice vote, a quorum being present.

VOTE OF THE COMMITTEE

In compliance with clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee notes that there were no recorded votes during the Committee's consideration of S. 1194.

COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee reports that the findings and recommendations of the Committee, based on oversight activities under clause 2(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, are incorporated in the descriptive portions of this report.

NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY AND TAX EXPENDITURES

Clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives is inapplicable because this legislation does not provide new budgetary authority or increased tax expenditures.

COMMITTEE COST ESTIMATE

In compliance with clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee notes that the bill authorizes $50 million for the current fiscal year 2005, and such sums as shall be necessary for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. All authorized amounts are subject to appropriations of the authorized amounts, and the costs for this fiscal year and the five following fiscal years will be the amounts that Congress appropriates pursuant to these authorizations. The Committee did not receive any estimates of the costs of this legislation from any other government agency as outlined in clause 3(d)(2)(B) of rule XIII. The bill authorizes new programs so the Committee cannot provide a comparison with relevant programs under current law as outlined in clause 3(d)(2)(C) of rule XIII.

PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Committee states that pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, S. 1194 will help to reduce recidivism among mentally ill offenders in the criminal justice system.

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds the authority for this legislation in article I, Sec. 8 of the Constitution.

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

The following discussion describes the bill as reported by the Committee.

Section 1. Short title.

This section establishes the short title of the bill as the `Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004.'

Section 2. Findings

This section makes findings regarding the prevalence of mentally ill offenders in correctional institutions in America.

Section 3. Purpose

This section provides that the purpose of this bill is to reduce recidivism among mentally ill offenders; to establish mental health treatment options for courts; to maximize the use of alternatives to prosecution for the mentally ill in appropriate cases; to promote training for criminal justice system personnel; and to promote communication and collaboration between criminal justice system personnel and mental health treatment providers.

Section 4. Department of Justice Mental Health and Criminal Justice Collaboration Program

This section authorizes the Department of Justice to make planning and implementation grants to state and local governments to create or expand mental health courts or diversion programs; to train criminal justice personnel and mental health personnel; to support cooperation between criminal and juvenile justice agencies and the mental health community; to assist mentally ill offenders in seeking employment or housing; and to provide mental health services both during incarceration and during the transition back to society. The Committee notes that mental conditions resulting from neurological injury or disease qualify in the definition of mental illness and, for purposes of this Act, those who have mental conditions with a discernible neurological cause should be considered eligible to meet the criteria for having a mental illness.

Each state shall receive a minimum allocation of not less than .75 percent of the amount allocated under this bill. Participants in the collaboration programs must match a percentage of the Federal funds allocated.

The Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services are required to establish an interagency task force to address barriers to collaboration on issues relating to mentally ill offenders. Additionally, the Attorney General and the Secretary shall develop a list of best practices for addressing these offenders. Finally, this section authorizes $50 million for FY2005 and such sums as may be necessary for FY2006 through FY2009.

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

OMNIBUS CRIME CONTROL AND SAFE STREETS ACT OF 1968

* * * * * * *

TITLE I--JUSTICE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT

* * * * * * *

PART HH--ADULT AND JUVENILE COLLABORATION PROGRAM GRANTS

SEC. 2991. ADULT AND JUVENILE COLLABORATION PROGRAMS.

COMMITTEE JURISDICTION LETTERS

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1194EC2.eps

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MARKUP TRANSCRIPT

BUSINESS MEETING

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

House of Representatives,

Committee on the Judiciary,

--Washington, DC.

The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:05 a.m., in Room 2141, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. [Chairman of the Committee] presiding.

[Intervening business.]

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The next item on the agenda is Senate 1194, the `Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2003.' The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Coble, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security for a motion.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security reports favorably the bill S. 1194, with a single amendment in the nature of a substitute and moves its favorable recommendation to the full House.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, the bill will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. And the Subcommittee amendment in the nature of a substitute, which the Members have before them, will be considered as read, considered as the original text for purposes of amendment, and open for amendment at any point.

[The amendment in the nature of a substitute follows:]

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Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Coble, to strike the last word.

Mr. COBLE. I thank the Chairman and I won't take the full 5 minutes, Mr. Chairman.

This bill was unanimously approved when Mr. Scott and I held our markup I guess last week. It came from the Senate side. Mr. DeWine was the primary sponsor, but during the markup we made a few minor changes and reported the bill favorably.

Members forming a bipartisan coalition have realized the need for this legislation, as up to 16 percent of the inmates in the United States suffer from mental illness, according to the Bureau of Justice statistics. In response to this problem S. 1194 provides the needed grant program to encourage States to address the issue, and I think it is a worthwhile proposal, and I urge the passage and submit it to the full House.

Yield back the balance of my time.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Does the gentleman from Virginia wish to give an opening statement?

Mr. SCOTT. Yes, Mr. Chairman. And----

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. SCOTT. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for convening this markup on S. 1194, the `Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2003.' I am a cosponsor of the House version of the bill and pleased to see it move forward.

This bill has been developed with the collaboration of Advocates For Mental Health and Substance Abuse, our staffs as well as the staffing of Senator DeWine, Congressman Strickland, Congressman Delahunt, and the Members. They are all to be commended for their hard work and excellent product that we have before us.

I want to express particular gratitude, Mr. Chairman, to you and Subcommittee Chairman Coble and your staffs not only for scheduling this markup--scheduling the markup of this bill in a very cramped schedule with lots of competition for slots--but also for your openness in developing a bill in a bipartisan fashion and your diligence in assuring that it moves forward as a product of which we can all be proud.

I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, all Members' opening statements will appear in the record at this point.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Are there amendments? Gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Delahunt, has an amendment that we are willing to accept, but I don't know whether he is on his way or not. But it would improve the bill.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Well, without objection the bill will be temporarily laid aside until either Mr. Delahunt or his amendment arrive.

Mr. COBLE. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, so ordered, and we will get back to this when either the Member or the amendment or both appear.

[Intervening business.]

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The unfinished business is consideration of the bill Senate 1194, the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act, which was temporarily laid aside earlier today. Without objection, the bill will be brought again before the Committee and the bill is open for amendment at any point. The gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Delahunt, has an amendment.

Mr. DELAHUNT. Yes, Mr. Chairman. I have an amendment at the desk.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The Clerk will report the amendment.

The CLERK. Amendment to S. 1194 offered by Mr. Delahunt of Massachusetts. Page 13----

[The amendment follows:]

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Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the----

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, so ordered, and the gentleman from Massachusetts is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the Chair, and I want to particularly acknowledge Chairman Coble and Ranking Member Scott and Representative Ted Strickland for their leadership on this bill. This is a very important piece of legislation, and I am pleased to be a cosponsor.

Sadly, our Nation's jails and prisons are in a state of crisis as they struggle to provide mental health services for incarcerated individuals, and it is simply wrong that families must resort to the police in order to obtain assistance and treatment for family members and loved ones suffering from an extreme episode of mental illness. Yet, during times of extreme distress, families face no alternatives.

Now, this comprehensive legislation is a step in the right direction in order to move away from laws that criminalize mental illness. State and local correctional facilities will now be able to create a program.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DELAHUNT. I yield.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. I have reviewed the gentleman's amendment, and I believe it is a very good one in broadening some of the functions of what is considered in this act to better treat people who suffer from mental illness. But probably most importantly in terms of getting this bill passed, the authorization is a 1-year authorization so that we have to jump through fewer hoops in order to get the bill on the floor next week and hopefully get the amendment concurred in by the Senate and the signature of the President on the bottom.

So I am happy to support the amendment of the gentleman from Massachusetts. It makes a better bill and it saves money.

Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the Chair, and with that, I will conclude my remarks and yield back.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The question is on agreeing to the amendments.

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Chairman.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Scott.

Mr. SCOTT. Move to strike the last word.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Chairman, had we adopted a substitute on this? No? Yes?

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. There is a Subcommittee substitute, but this is an amendment to the substitute.

Mr. SCOTT. Right.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. And the substitute was not adopted. It was laid down as the base text but not adopted.

Mr. SCOTT. And this is an amendment to that substitute?

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Yes, it is.

Mr. SCOTT. Thank you.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment of the gentleman from Massachusetts to the amendment in the nature of a substitute. Those in favor will say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it, and the amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute is agreed to.

Are there further amendments? If there are no further amendments, the question is on agreeing to the Subcommittee amendment in the nature of a substitute. All those in favor will say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it, and the amendment in the nature of a substitute is agreed to.

The question occurs on the motion to report the Senate bill 1194 favorably, as amended. A reporting quorum is present. All in favor will say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it and the motion to report favorably is adopted.

Without objection, the bill will be reported favorably to the House in the form of a single amendment in the nature of a substitute, incorporating the amendment adopted here today. Without objection, the Chairman is authorized to move to go to conference pursuant to House rules. Without objection, the staff is directed to make any technical and conforming changes, and all Members will be given 2 days as provided by House rules in which to submit additional, dissenting, supplemental, or minority views.