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Bill would seek $60 million for 70‑bed forensic mental health hospital on eastern side of Montana
Summary
Sponsor asked the Appropriations Committee for $60 million from BISFIG funds to build a 70‑bed forensic mental health facility in eastern Montana, citing jail holds and long waits at Warm Springs and Galen; opponents questioned the use of BISFIG capital dollars and whether the capital development account is the correct funding source.
Representative Kelly urged the House Appropriations Committee to fund a new 70‑bed forensic mental health facility on Montana’s eastern side, asking for $60 million from the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations (BISFIG) appropriation.
Kelly told the panel the state is “in crisis,” citing Warm Springs and Galen as full and saying “every jail in the state has inmates on mental health holds,” some waiting more than two years for evaluation. She said the request is meant to reduce jail holds and speed evaluations.
The bill sponsor named a $60,000,000 appropriation and described the proposed facility as a…
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