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SB-515 Grant programs.(2015-2016)

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SB515:v98#DOCUMENT

Amended  IN  Senate  April 06, 2015

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2015–2016 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Bill
No. 515

Introduced by Senator Beall

February 26, 2015

An act to amend Section 7599.2 of the Government Code, relating to criminal justice grant programs.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SB 515, as amended, Beall. Grant programs.
Existing law, as added by the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, a measure approved by the voters at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election, creates the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund, a continuously appropriated fund, which is funded by savings that accrue to the state from the implementation of the act. Existing law provides that 65% of the moneys deposited in the fund shall be disbursed to the Board of State and Community Corrections to administer a grant program to fund public agencies that support mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system.
Proposition 47 provides that its provisions may be amended by a statute that is consistent with and furthers its intent and that is passed by a 2/3 vote of each house of the Legislature and is signed by the Governor. Proposition 47 also provides that the Legislature may, by majority vote, amend, add, or repeal provisions to further reduce the penalties for offenses it addresses.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that establishes funding priorities for moneys distributed from the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund to the Board of State and Community Corrections. require the board, in awarding those grants, to allocate at least 2/3 of the grant funding to public behavioral health agencies, or other public agencies that provide behavioral health services, that will use the grant funds to provide evidence-based mental health services and substance use disorder treatment services that are provided by licensed or certified behavioral health professionals and counselors.
Vote: MAJORITY2/3   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: NOYES   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 Section 7599.2 of the Government Code is amended to read:

7599.2.
 Distribution of Moneys from the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund.
(a) By August 15 of each fiscal year beginning in 2016, the Controller shall disburse moneys deposited in the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund as follows:
(1) Twenty‑five percent to the State Department of Education, to administer a grant program to public agencies aimed at improving outcomes for public school pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, by reducing truancy and supporting students who are at risk of dropping out of school or are victims of crime.
(2) Ten percent to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, to make grants to trauma recovery centers to provide services to victims of crime pursuant to Section 13963.1 of the Government Code.
(3) Sixty‑five percent to the Board of State and Community Corrections, to administer a grant program to public agencies aimed at supporting mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on programs that reduce recidivism of people convicted of less serious crimes, such as those covered by this measure, and those who have substance abuse and mental health problems. The board, in awarding grants pursuant to this paragraph, shall allocate at least two-thirds of the grant funding to public behavioral health agencies, or other public agencies that provide behavioral health services, that will use the grant funds to provide evidence-based mental health services and substance use disorder treatment services that are provided by licensed or certified behavioral health professionals and counselors.
(b) For each program set forth in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision (a), the agency responsible for administering the programs shall not spend more than 5 percent of the total funds it receives from the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund on an annual basis for administrative costs.
(c) Every two years, the Controller shall conduct an audit of the grant programs operated by the agencies specified in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision (a) to ensure the funds are disbursed and expended solely according to this chapter and shall report his or her findings to the Legislature and the public.
(d) Any costs incurred by the Controller and the Director of Finance in connection with the administration of the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund, including the costs of the calculation required by Section 7599.1 and the audit required by subdivision (c), as determined by the Director of Finance, shall be deducted from the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund before the funds are disbursed pursuant to subdivision (a).
(e) The funding established pursuant to this act shall be used to expand programs for public school pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, victims of crime, and mental health and substance abuse treatment and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system. These funds shall not be used to supplant existing state or local funds utilized for these purposes.
(f) Local agencies shall not be obligated to provide programs or levels of service described in this chapter above the level for which funding has been provided.

SECTION 1.

It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that establishes funding priorities for moneys distributed from the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund to the Board of State and Community Corrections pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 7599.2 of the Government Code.