Senate Bill 1 Legislative Update

Dear Advocates,

Mental Health America of Indiana hopes you had a wonderful holiday season!

The 2023 Legislative Session began on Monday, January 9th, 2023.

With the support of the Governor, legislative leadership, and of course, all of the mental health advocates across the state, behavioral health legislation has become a priority this year.

Senate Bill 1 will require the Division of Mental Health and Addiction to establish and maintain the 9-8-8 help line. It will also allow for the continuation of the Be Well Crisis Helpline. Significantly, it will build out Indiana's behavioral health infrastructure through the expansion of CCBHCs. The bill also reestablishes the Indiana behavioral health commission.

This is the first time in Indiana history that a mental health bill has been designated SB 1, a legislative priority. We hope that you can follow along this legislative session to continue to advocate for behavioral health legislation.

Senate Bill 1

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MATTERS (Crider, M) - Provides that, not later than December 31, 2024, the office of the secretary of family and social services shall apply to the United States Department of Health and Human Services: (1) for a Medicaid state plan amendment, a waiver, or an amendment to an existing waiver to require reimbursement for eligible certified community behavioral health clinic services; or (2) to participate in the expansion of a community mental health services demonstration program. Requires the division of mental health and addiction to establish and maintain a help line: (1) to provide confidential emotional support and referrals to certain resources to individuals who call the help line; and (2) that is accessible by calling a toll free telephone number. Reestablishes the Indiana behavioral health commission. Changes the name of the "9-8-8 crisis hotline center" to "9-8-8 crisis response center". Makes an appropriation. Makes conforming changes.

Current Status:  01/09/2023 Referred to Appropriations

More than ever, we plan to stay in touch with you this year, so please be sure to sign up for our IN.session Newsletter and VoterVoice Action Alerts to stay up-to-date on important mental health related legislation.

If you would like to review the bills MHAI is already following, click HERE for our action track report!