NAPO Washington Reports

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act 2013 Passes

June 20, 2013

Today, NAPO attended a Senate Judiciary Committee mark-up session, where the Committee approved, by voice vote, a bill to reauthorize the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act (JMHCA) of 2013 (S.162).  NAPO has made reauthorization of the JMHCA a top legislative priority for the 113th Congress, as it supports our continuing response to firearms and mental health issues. 

This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the successful Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA).  The JMHCA extends this important legislation, and helps criminal justice and mental health agencies work collaboratively towards better outcomes.

The following senators attended today’s mark-up session:  Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ranking Member Charles Grassley (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).  There was minimal discussion on the bill.  However, during his opening statements, Ranking Member Grassley noted that “it makes sense to provide mental health services to veterans and prisoners to facilitate their successful adaptation to society and to prevent violent crimes.”

We greatly appreciate all of our members who have taken the time to contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to urge they support the JMHCA.  This successful mark-up could not have been possible without your efforts.

We will continue to keep our members updated on the status of this legislation as it moves to the Senate for consideration, and we will continue to work with our counterparts to pursue its passage.  If you have any questions about this legislation, please contact Melissa Nee at:  mnee@napo.org.