Detailed Summary

Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to increase the authorization of appropriations for the grant program for adult and juvenile collaboration for access to adequate mental health treatment and to extend such funding through FY2014. Directs the Attorney General to give priority to grant applications that promote effective strategies to identify and treat mentally-ill offenders and that meet other criteria.

(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations for training programs and other services to assist law enforcement officers and campus security personnel in responding appropriately to incidents involving mentally-ill individuals. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to develop training models for law enforcement personnel for responding to the needs of individuals with mental illnesses, including suicide prevention. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2014.

(Sec. 5) Reauthorizes the mental health courts grant program for FY2009-FY2014. Expands the permissible uses of grant funds to include pretrial services and programs to provide alternatives to incarceration for offenders with mental illnesses.

(Sec. 6) Directs the Attorney General to examine and report on mental illness and the criminal justice system, including: (1) the rate of occurrence of serious mental illnesses in individuals (including juveniles) on probation, incarcerated in a jail, incarcerated in a prison, or on parole; and (2) the percentage of individuals in each of those populations with serious mental illnesses who received social security disability benefits. Authorizes appropriations.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 10/3/2008: Presented to President.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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