PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Sep 22, 2022
Mental Health Justice Act of 2022
This bill creates a grant program for states, tribal entities, and local governments to train and dispatch mental health professionals to respond, instead of law enforcement officers, to emergencies that involve people with behavioral health needs.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must manage the program in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ). SAMHSA may cancel grants that increase incarceration or institutionalization.
The Department of Health and Human Services and DOJ must evaluate this program.
People & committees
Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45] · D–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 223 - 206 (Roll no. 452). (text: CR H8081-8082)
House roll call 452 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 223 - 206 (Roll no. 452).
House roll call 452 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8101-8102)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 8542, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Armstrong demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House resumed with debate on H.R. 8542.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 30 miunutes of debate on H.R. 8542.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4118, H.R. 5768, H.R. 6448 and H.R. 8542. Resolution provides for 30 minutes of general debate with one motion to recommit for each bill.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1377. (consideration: CR H8081-8085)
Rule H. Res. 1377 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1377 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4118, H.R. 5768, H.R. 6448 and H.R. 8542. Resolution provides for 30 minutes of general debate with one motion to recommit for each bill.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Analyze H.R.8542 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.8542 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.8542 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.8542 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.