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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, First Regular Session
housing fund; seriously mentally ill
Purpose
Allows monies from the Seriously Mentally Ill Housing Trust Fund (Fund) to be spent on rental assistance for individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI).
Background
Currently, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) administers the Fund, consisting of monies received from the sale of unclaimed property and investment earnings, that provides for housing projects for SMI individuals. Statute requires AHCCCS to annually report to the Legislature on the status of the Fund, including: 1) a summary of facilities that received funding during the previous fiscal year; 2) the cost and geographic location of each facility receiving funding; and 3) the number of individuals benefiting from the operation, construction or renovation of each facility receiving funding (A.R.S. § 41-3955.01).
Statute defines SMI as an individual who, as a result of a mental disorder, exhibits emotional or behavioral functioning which is so impaired that it substantially interferes with their capacity to remain in the community without supportive treatment or services of a long-term or indefinite duration. SMI individuals experience severe and persistent mental disability that results in a long-term limitation of their functional capacities for daily living activities (A.R.S. § 36-550).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows Fund monies to be spent on rental assistance for individuals with SMI.
2. Requires AHCCCS to include in its report to the Legislature the number of individuals who benefited from rental assistance.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 11, 2019
CRS/AB/kja