Senate approves reduced appropriation for regional psychiatric treatment programs after amendment

The North Dakota Senate on Feb. 18 approved Senate Bill 20-96, a measure to provide grants and appropriations for regional acute psychiatric treatment and supportive housing, after adopting a floor amendment that reduced the original appropriation amount.

Senator Mather (bill sponsor) described the bill as supporting regionalization of psychiatric care across four quadrants of the state, noting the measure provides grant flexibility for operations or facilities and includes conditions such as a 10-year requirement for grant recipients. The bill originally included a $64 million appropriation; Senator Davison offered an amendment to reduce the initial amount to $16 million (the amendment passed 38 ayes, 5 nays, 4 absent). After further discussion, the Senate passed the amended bill by roll call: 35 ayes, 8 nays and 4 absent not voting.

Why it matters: Supporters characterized the bill as part of a broader strategy to expand access to behavioral-health treatment in communities and to keep treatment close to patients’ homes; supporters cited recommendations from the Council of State Governments. Opponents urged caution about committing large sums without project plans and stressed the need for coordinated community assessments and planning.

Formal actions: Verification roll-call on the Davison amendment recorded 38 ayes, 5 nays, 4 absent; final passage of Senate Bill 20-96 as amended recorded 35 ayes, 8 nays and 4 absent not voting. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process with the reduced appropriation and grant framework.