PRIORITIZATION OF FUNDING FOR DIVERSION OF PERSONS FROM INCARCERATION IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.

(a) A local intellectual and developmental disability authority may develop and may prioritize its available funding for:

(1) a system to divert members of the priority population, including those members with co-occurring substance abuse disorders, before their incarceration or other contact with the criminal justice system, to services appropriate to their needs, including:

(A) screening and assessment services; and

(B) treatment services, including:

(i) short-term residential services;

(ii) crisis respite residential services; and

(iii) continuity of care services;

(2) specialized training of local law enforcement and court personnel to identify and manage offenders or suspects who may be members of the priority population; and

(3) other model programs for offenders and suspects who may be members of the priority population, including crisis intervention training for law enforcement personnel.

(b) A local intellectual and developmental disability authority developing a system, training, or a model program under Subsection (a) shall collaborate with other local resources, including local law enforcement and judicial systems and local personnel.

(c) A local intellectual and developmental disability authority may not implement a system, training, or a model program developed under this section until the system, training, or program is approved by the department.