Public Inebriate Task Force
There are questions regarding the continuing relevance and applicability of the existing inebriate statues, as well as concerns about the funding, program policies, and availability of services to individuals classified as “public inebriates”. This complex public health issue transcends medical, criminal and public policy arenas and has significant economic impact across several state agencies.
To address these issues, the General Assembly directed the Department of Health to convene a study committee to evaluate the current practice and policy in this area and make recommendations for improvements.
On January 15, 2008, the Department of Health reported on the results of this review to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, the House Committee on Human Services, and the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare.
Goals of Task Force
- Evaluate the current practice and policy in public inebriate and make recommendations for improvements
- Recommend changes in the statute, program protocols, and resources used to address public inebriate issues