Montana legislators have approved significant changes to the state’s behavioral health care system, providing much-needed improvements to facilities, enhancing community services, and revising commitment procedures. The overhaul aims to address the long-standing issues following budget cuts and loss of federal certification for the state psychiatric hospital due to patient deaths.
Gov. Greg Gianforte’s extensive plans to strengthen the mental health system received broad support, focusing on reducing waitlists and improving mental health services. Legislators are initiating additional measures, including constructing a new mental health facility in eastern Montana, expanding bed capacity, revising commitment procedures, and reimbursing counties for housing defendants awaiting mental health evaluations.
Matt Kuntz of the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Montana chapter expressed optimism, stating the changes give hope to families struggling within the system. The 2025 legislative session tackled challenges like service shortages due to earlier budget cuts and backlogs at the psychiatric hospital.
The collaborative effort between the governor’s office, legislature, and counties secured funding of $124 million in state spending and up to $40 million in federal funds over two years. This substantial investment exceeds Gianforte’s initial $43.5 million state and $42 million federal funding request, which was based on the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission’s advice.
Legislators had questioned the adequacy of the governor’s budget in addressing community-based crisis services and forensic beds. Despite two bills, HB 236 and HB 237, failing to pass, they highlighted significant jail holds for individuals awaiting mental health evaluations. The legislature responded with multiple solutions, including Senate Bill 429, which revises criminal commitment procedures and introduces involuntary medication under specific conditions.
These legislative actions, paired with other bills, aim to reimburse counties, create mental health hold options, and expand state facility beds. Additionally, plans are underway for a new mental health facility with more forensic beds in eastern Montana. Kaitlin Price, Gianforte’s spokesperson, stated the governor would assess the legislatures’ bills alongside his proposals.
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