H.R.1392 - Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1392, the "Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act of 2025," aims to provide funding to the Bureau of Prisons, states, and localities for mental health screenings and referrals for individuals in prison or jail. The bill establishes a grant program administered by the Attorney General to implement mental health screenings at intake and provide referrals to mental healthcare providers before or after release. It also mandates the establishment of an Advisory Board to oversee the program and ensure its effectiveness.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase access to mental healthcare for incarcerated individuals, potentially reducing recidivism rates and improving their successful reintegration into society. The establishment of the Advisory Board and the requirement for independent research evaluations should help ensure the program's effectiveness and allow for adjustments based on data-driven insights. The bill also specifies funding allocations for the Bureau of Prisons, states, and localities, which could lead to more standardized mental healthcare practices across different jurisdictions.
Potential Benefits
- Improved mental health outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
- Reduced recidivism rates due to better access to mental healthcare.
- Enhanced coordination between prisons/jails and local mental health providers.
- Data-driven program improvements through required evaluations.
- Potential for increased public safety due to reduced crime rates.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in grant administration.
- Possible challenges in coordinating between different levels of government (federal, state, local).
- Risk of insufficient funding to fully address the mental health needs of all incarcerated individuals.
- Potential for data privacy concerns related to the collection and sharing of mental health information.
- The effectiveness of the program relies heavily on the quality and availability of mental healthcare providers in local communities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it seeks to improve the well-being of incarcerated individuals and potentially reduce crime rates, thus benefiting society as a whole. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the grant program structure allows states and localities to voluntarily participate, mitigating potential concerns about federal overreach. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).