The legislation offered by State Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie moves to the Senate after gaining unanimous approval in the Indiana House of Representatives.

According to the Indiana Department of Correction, nearly 80% of inmates in jails statewide have an addiction or mental health condition, and 75% of those who return to prison have a substance use disorder.

House Bill 1006 would empower law enforcement to apprehend and transport individuals suffering from mental illness or temporary impairment from drugs and alcohol to the nearest facility providing mental health treatment. Individuals would also be protected from early release due to inability to pay for services.

Pressel said the legislation builds on efforts to connect more Hoosiers to critical mental health resources while maintaining public safety.

“Our hardworking law enforcement officers routinely deal with these issues and overcrowded jails and this legislation will provide another option to get people the help they need,” he said.

Supporters believe treatment in a professional facility is more effective than what offenders receive in jails and prisons.