I am writing to express my support for HB245, the Behavioral Health Docket Act. This bill represents an important step toward improving how Virginia responds to individuals whose legal involvement is closely connected to mental health needs, substance use, and life experiences that often go unaddressed in traditional court processes. Allowing district courts and juvenile courts to retain jurisdiction over certain felony cases so individuals can participate in specialty or behavioral health dockets creates an opportunity for earlier, more effective intervention that is likely to reduce recidivism. Currently, many people cycle through the legal system without ever receiving the support or treatment needed to address underlying issues that contribute to illegal activity. Expanding access to these dockets helps shift the focus toward problem-solving and long-term stability, while still maintaining accountability. It also reduces the likelihood of deeper system involvement when earlier intervention could make a meaningful difference. This approach benefits not only the individual but also families, communities, and the broader legal system. When people are connected to appropriate services and supports, outcomes improve, and recidivism decreases. Providing courts with the flexibility to use these options earlier in the process is both practical and cost-effective. HB245 is a thoughtful and necessary step toward a more responsive and effective system, and I hope you consider supporting it.

HB245 Behavioral Health Docket Act helps both society and individuals with a mental illness. It would allow more defendants who could benefit from the supervision and services of a specialized mental health court to participate. It does not change current requirements that the prosecution, defense, the defendant and the judge all must agree that participation is a preferred option in an individual case, and that the defendant can be helped by completing the rigid requirements of the program. Behavioral Health Dockets have demonstrated success across Virginia. Having retired from working in both the criminal justice and behavioral health systems, I have seen this success and strongly support the bill.