The House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday passed a bill that aims to reduce recidivism by providing millions of dollars in annual funding for substance abuse programs and mental health treatment for local communities.
House Bill 1006, authored by Rep. Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, is a response to a massive criminal code overhaul that sends low-level offenders, many of whom have serious drug addictions and mental illnesses, to community corrections. Legislators set aside $30 million for the first year and $50 million for the second year for local programs for such low-level and nonviolent offenders.
The bill received support from community members who testified during Tuesday’s hearing. One of those who spoke was Linda Brady, chief probation officer in Monroe County and president of the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana Inc.