RSA 490-H:1 Purpose; Policy and Goals.

I. The general court recognizes the critical need in this state for the criminal justice system to identify effective sentencing options when an offender has committed a crime that is a result of or related to mental illness. All offenders must be held accountable for their actions. However, a growing body of research demonstrates that traditional sentencing options may not be effective if an offender has a mental illness. Requiring that accountability and rehabilitative treatment, in addition to or in place of, conventional and expensive incarceration, will promote public safety, promote the welfare of the individuals involved, reduce the burden upon the public treasury, and benefit the common welfare of this state. The goals of this chapter shall include:
(a) Enhancing commu