A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to direct the department of public safety to Study confinement of persons with mental illness.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Department of Public Safety shall study the issue of confinement of persons with mental illness. The study shall examine all of the following:
(1)	Under what conditions inmates with mental illness shall be housed in restrictive housing.
(2)	The number of incarcerated individuals with a diagnosed mental illness.
(3)	Information on the types of confinement used for inmates diagnosed with mental illness.
(4)	The average length of stay in restrictive housing for inmates with mental illness.
(5)	Types of mental health treatment provided to inmates with mental illness.
(6)	Use of Therapeutic Diversion Units.
(7)	The Safe Alternatives to Segregation initiative conducted by VERA Institute of Justice.
(8)	Ways to attract and retain qualified staff for all prison positions, including correctional officers and behavioral health specialists.
SECTION 2.  The Department shall report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety no later than March 1, 2020.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.