Committee advances bill to reimburse counties for state behavioral‑health holds

Representative Tracy Sharp opened HB 643 explaining the bill aims to reimburse counties for costs of holding individuals who are the responsibility of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) while they await evaluation, restoration, or placement. The sponsor said the bill draws $6 million one‑time from the Behavioral Health for Future Generations fund to reimburse counties and sets a statutory daily rate tied to private facility rates.

Proponents included representatives of the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and Montana Association of Counties, county commissioners and detention personnel who described lengthy waits for placement (examples: single cases held 300–458 days), the operational strain on jails and the fiscal burden on local taxpayers. Nanette Gilbertson gave statutory history of DOC reimbursement and explained the amendment sets a clear daily rate (150% of private facility daily rate) and removes a named facility from statute to avoid improper naming.

Committee members questioned the adequacy of the rate and the duration of funding; proponents and the sponsor said the approach is one‑time relief while the state continues longer‑term investments. The committee adopted the sponsor request amendment and concurred in HB 643 as amended; the bill passed out of committee with a unanimous or near‑unanimous voice vote and will be carried on the floor by Senator Usher.