I 
115TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 4142 
To protect individuals by strengthening the Nation’s mental health infrastruc-
ture, improving the understanding of violence, strengthening firearm 
prohibitions and protections for at-risk individuals, and improving and 
expanding the reporting of mental health records to the National Instant 
Criminal Background Check System. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
OCTOBER 26, 2017 
Mr. THOMPSON of California (for himself and Mr. PERLMUTTER) introduced 
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, 
and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period 
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consider-
ation of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
concerned 
A BILL 
To protect individuals by strengthening the Nation’s mental 
health infrastructure, improving the understanding of vi-
olence, strengthening firearm prohibitions and protec-
tions for at-risk individuals, and improving and expand-
ing the reporting of mental health records to the Na-
tional Instant Criminal Background Check System. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Safer Communities 
Act of 2017’’. 
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
The table of contents of this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title. 
Sec. 2. Table of contents. 
Sec. 3. Statement of purpose. 
TITLE I—STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVING INTERVENTION 
EFFORTS 
Sec. 101. Mental health crisis assessment, prevention, and education grant pro-
gram. 
Sec. 102. School-based mental health programs. 
Sec. 103. High utilizers. 
TITLE II—IMPROVING RESEARCH ON VIOLENCE 
Sec. 201. Research with respect to violence. 
TITLE III—UNDERSTANDING THE EPIDEMIC OF GUN VIOLENCE 
Sec. 301. National violent death reporting system. 
Sec. 302. Reaffirming Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s authority. 
Sec. 303. Protecting confidential doctor-patient relationship. 
TITLE IV—ENSURING SAFE COMMUNITIES 
Sec. 401. Ban on firearm possession by person committed involuntarily to men-
tal institution on an outpatient basis. 
Sec. 402. Grant program regarding firearms. 
Sec. 403. Notification of State and local law enforcement authorities of attempt 
to purchase firearm by ineligible person. 
TITLE V—RESTORATION 
Sec. 501. Federal agency relief program. 
Sec. 502. State relief programs. 
Sec. 503. Ineligibility due to disqualifying mental status. 
TITLE VI—SUBMISSION OF RECORDS TO NATIONAL INSTANT 
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM 
Sec. 601. Reports relating to submission of information to NICS. 
Sec. 602. Reauthorization of the National Criminal History Records Improve-
ment Program. 
Sec. 603. Improvement of metrics and incentives. 
Sec. 604. Grants to States to improve coordination and automation of NICS 
record reporting. 
Sec. 605. Sharing of records by Federal departments and agencies with NICS. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6211
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. 
The purpose of this Act is to ensure the public safety 
and welfare of communities by promoting evidence-based 
approaches that will prevent the tragic toll of gun violence 
on families and communities. This purpose can be accom-
plished by— 
(1) strengthening and improving intervention 
efforts by increasing investments in programs de-
signed to appropriately identify, respond to, treat, 
and mitigate future behavioral health crises; 
(2) prioritizing research on reducing the threat 
of gun violence to self or others and identifying fur-
ther risk factors for violence, including gender, cul-
ture, substance abuse, and history of violence; and 
(3) restricting gun access by individuals found 
to be at an elevated risk of committing future acts 
of violence against self or others. 
TITLE I—STRENGTHENING AND 
IMPROVING 
INTERVENTION 
EFFORTS 
SEC. 101. MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS ASSESSMENT, PREVEN-
TION, AND EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section, the 
following definitions shall apply: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:37 Oct 31, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
(1) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘‘eligible enti-
ty’’ means a State, political subdivision of a State, 
or nonprofit private entity. 
(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary of Health and Human Services. 
(3) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each 
State of the United States, the District of Columbia, 
each commonwealth, territory, or possession of the 
United States, and each federally recognized Indian 
tribe. 
(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF GRANT PROGRAM.— 
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall es-
tablish a program to award grants to eligible entities 
to carry out the activities described in paragraph 
(2). 
(2) USE OF FUNDS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Grants under this sec-
tion may be used to carry out programs that— 
(i) expand early invention and treat-
ment services to improve access to mental 
health crisis assistance and address unmet 
mental health care needs; 
(ii) expand the continuum of services 
to address crisis intervention and crisis 
stabilization; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
(3) APPLICATION.—To be considered for a 
grant under this section, an eligible entity shall sub-
mit an application to the Secretary at such time, in 
such manner, and containing such information as 
the Secretary may require. At minimum, such appli-
cation shall include a description of— 
(A) the activities to be funded with the 
grant; 
(B) community needs; 
(C) the population to be served; and 
(D) the interaction between the activities 
described in subparagraph (A) and public sys-
tems of health and mental health care, law en-
forcement, social services, and related assist-
ance programs. 
(4) SELECTING AMONG APPLICANTS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Grants shall be award-
ed to eligible entities on a competitive basis. 
(B) SELECTION CRITERIA.—The Secretary 
shall evaluate applicants based on such criteria 
as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, 
including the ability of an applicant to carry 
out the activities described in paragraph (2). 
(5) REPORTS.— 
(A) ANNUAL REPORTS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
(i) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—As a condi-
tion of receiving a grant under this section, 
an eligible entity shall agree to submit a 
report to the Secretary, on an annual 
basis, describing the activities carried out 
with the grant and assessing the effective-
ness of such activities. 
(ii) 
SECRETARY.—The 
Secretary 
shall, on an annual basis, and using the re-
ports received under clause (i), report to 
Congress on the overall impact and effec-
tiveness of the grant program under this 
section. 
(B) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than Janu-
ary 15, 2022, the Secretary shall submit to 
Congress a final report that includes rec-
ommendations with respect to the feasibility 
and advisability of extending or expanding the 
grant program. 
(6) COLLECTION OF DATA.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall col-
lect data on the grant program to determine its 
effectiveness in reducing the social impact of 
mental health crises and the feasibility and ad-
visability of extending the grant program. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
(B) MANNER OF COLLECTION.—Data de-
scribed in subparagraph (A) shall be collected 
and analyzed using a scientific peer-reviewed 
system and valid and reliable results-based re-
search methodologies. 
(c) FUNDING.— 
(1) GRANT AMOUNT.—A grant under this sec-
tion shall be in an amount that is not more than 
$100,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 
2022. Subject to the preceding sentence, the Sec-
retary shall determine the amount of each grant. 
(2) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2018 through 2022. 
SEC. 102. SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS. 
(a) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.—The second part G 
(relating to services provided through religious organiza-
tions) of title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 
U.S.C. 290kk et seq.) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating such part as part J; and 
(2) by redesignating sections 581 through 584 
as sections 596 through 596C, respectively. 
(b) SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND CHIL-
DREN AND VIOLENCE.—Section 581 of the Public Health 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290hh) is amended to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘SEC. 581. SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND CHIL-
DREN AND VIOLENCE. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in collaboration 
with the Secretary of Education and in consultation with 
the Attorney General, shall, directly or through grants, 
contracts, or cooperative agreements awarded to public en-
tities and local education agencies, assist local commu-
nities and schools in applying a public health approach 
to mental health services both in schools and in the com-
munity. Such approach should provide comprehensive age- 
appropriate services and supports, be linguistically and 
culturally appropriate, be trauma-informed, and incor-
porate age-appropriate strategies of positive behavioral 
interventions and supports. A comprehensive school men-
tal health program funded under this section shall assist 
children in dealing with trauma and violence. 
‘‘(b) ACTIVITIES.—Under the program under sub-
section (a), the Secretary may— 
‘‘(1) provide financial support to enable local 
communities to implement a comprehensive cul-
turally and linguistically appropriate, trauma-in-
formed, and age-appropriate, school mental health 
program that incorporates positive behavioral inter-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
ventions, client treatment, and supports to foster the 
health and development of children; 
‘‘(2) provide technical assistance to local com-
munities with respect to the development of pro-
grams described in paragraph (1); 
‘‘(3) provide assistance to local communities in 
the development of policies to address child and ado-
lescent trauma and mental health issues and violence 
when and if it occurs; 
‘‘(4) facilitate community partnerships among 
families, students, law enforcement agencies, edu-
cation systems, mental health and substance use dis-
order service systems, family-based mental health 
service systems, welfare agencies, health care service 
systems (including physicians), faith-based pro-
grams, trauma networks, and other community- 
based systems; and 
‘‘(5) establish mechanisms for children and ado-
lescents to report incidents of violence or plans by 
other children, adolescents, or adults to commit vio-
lence. 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible for a grant, 
contract, or cooperative agreement under subsection 
(a), an entity shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) be a partnership between a local edu-
cation agency and at least one community pro-
gram or agency that is involved in mental 
health; and 
‘‘(B) submit an application, that is en-
dorsed by all members of the partnership, that 
contains the assurances described in paragraph 
(2). 
‘‘(2) REQUIRED ASSURANCES.—An application 
under paragraph (1) shall contain assurances as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(A) That the applicant will ensure that, 
in carrying out activities under this section, the 
local educational agency involved will enter into 
a memorandum of understanding— 
‘‘(i) with at least one public or private 
mental health entity, health care entity, 
law enforcement or juvenile justice entity, 
child welfare agency, family-based mental 
health entity, family or family organiza-
tion, trauma network, or other community- 
based entity; and 
‘‘(ii) that clearly states— 
‘‘(I) how school-employed mental 
health professionals (such as school 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
tional, mental, and behavioral health prob-
lems, or substance use disorders; 
‘‘(iii) the early identification of social, 
emotional, mental, and behavioral prob-
lems, or substance use disorders and the 
provision of early intervention services; 
‘‘(iv) the treatment or referral for 
treatment of students with existing social, 
emotional, mental, and behavioral health 
problems, or substance use disorders; and 
‘‘(v) the development and implementa-
tion of programs to assist children in deal-
ing with trauma and violence. 
‘‘(C) That the comprehensive school-based 
mental health program carried out under this 
section will provide for in-service training of all 
school personnel, including ancillary staff and 
volunteers, in— 
‘‘(i) the techniques and supports need-
ed to identify early children with trauma 
histories and children with, or at risk of, 
mental illness; 
‘‘(ii) the use of referral mechanisms 
that effectively link such children to appro-
priate treatment and intervention services 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
in the school and in the community and to 
follow-up when services are not available; 
‘‘(iii) strategies that promote the so-
cial, emotional, mental, and behavioral 
health and wellness of all students; 
‘‘(iv) strategies for promoting the so-
cial, emotional, mental, and behavioral 
health of all students; and 
‘‘(v) strategies to increase the knowl-
edge and skills of school and community 
leaders about the impact of trauma and vi-
olence and on the application of a public 
health approach to comprehensive school- 
based mental health programs. 
‘‘(D) That the comprehensive school-based 
mental health program carried out under this 
section will include comprehensive training for 
parents, siblings, and other family members of 
children with mental health disorders, and for 
concerned members of the community in— 
‘‘(i) the techniques and supports need-
ed to identify early children with trauma 
histories, and children with, or at risk of, 
mental illness; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(ii) the use of referral mechanisms 
that effectively link such children to appro-
priate treatment and intervention services 
in the school and in the community and 
follow-up when such services are not avail-
able; and 
‘‘(iii) strategies that promote a school- 
wide positive environment. 
‘‘(E) That the comprehensive school-based 
mental health program carried out under this 
section will demonstrate the measures to be 
taken to sustain the program after funding 
under this section terminates. 
‘‘(F) That the local education agency part-
nership involved is supported by the State edu-
cational and mental health system to ensure 
that the sustainability of the programs is estab-
lished after funding under this section termi-
nates. 
‘‘(G) That the comprehensive school-based 
mental health program carried out under this 
section will be based on trauma-informed and 
evidence-based practices. 
‘‘(H) That the comprehensive school-based 
mental health program carried out under this 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
section will be coordinated with early inter-
vening activities carried out under the Individ-
uals with Disabilities Education Act. 
‘‘(I) That the comprehensive school-based 
mental health program carried out under this 
section will be trauma-informed and culturally 
and linguistically appropriate. 
‘‘(J) That the comprehensive school-based 
mental health program carried out under this 
section will include a broad needs assessment of 
youth who drop out of school due to policies of 
‘zero tolerance’ with respect to drugs, alcohol, 
or weapons and an inability to obtain appro-
priate services. 
‘‘(K) That the mental health services pro-
vided through the comprehensive school-based 
mental health program carried out under this 
section will be provided by qualified mental and 
behavioral health professionals who are certified 
or licensed by the State involved and practicing 
within their area of expertise. 
‘‘(3) COORDINATOR.—Any entity that is a 
member of a partnership described in paragraph 
(1)(A) may serve as the coordinator of funding and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
activities under the grant if all members of the part-
nership agree. 
‘‘(4) COMPLIANCE
WITH
HIPAA.—A grantee 
under this section shall be deemed to be a covered 
entity for purposes of compliance with the regula-
tions promulgated under section 264(c) of the 
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 
of 1996 with respect to any patient records devel-
oped through activities under the grant. 
‘‘(d) GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.—The Secretary 
shall ensure that grants, contracts, or cooperative agree-
ments under subsection (a) will be distributed equitably 
among the regions of the country and among urban and 
rural areas. 
‘‘(e) DURATION
OF AWARDS.—With respect to a 
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under sub-
section (a), the period during which payments under such 
an award will be made to the recipient shall be 6 years. 
An entity may receive only one award under this section, 
except that an entity that is providing services and sup-
ports on a regional basis may receive additional funding 
after the expiration of the preceding grant period. 
‘‘(f) EVALUATION AND MEASURES OF OUTCOMES.— 
‘‘(1) DEVELOPMENT
OF
PROCESS.—The Ad-
ministrator shall develop a fiscally appropriate proc-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
ess for evaluating activities carried out under this 
section. Such process shall include— 
‘‘(A) the development of guidelines for the 
submission of program data by grant, contract, 
or cooperative agreement recipients; 
‘‘(B) the development of measures of out-
comes (in accordance with paragraph (2)) to be 
applied by such recipients in evaluating pro-
grams carried out under this section; and 
‘‘(C) the submission of annual reports by 
such recipients concerning the effectiveness of 
programs carried out under this section. 
‘‘(2) MEASURES OF OUTCOMES.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator 
shall develop measures of outcomes to be ap-
plied by recipients of assistance under this sec-
tion, and the Administrator, in evaluating the 
effectiveness of programs carried out under this 
section. Such measures shall include student 
and family measures as provided for in sub-
paragraph (B) and local educational measures 
as provided for under subparagraph (C). 
‘‘(B) STUDENT AND FAMILY MEASURES OF 
OUTCOMES.—The measures of outcomes devel-
oped under paragraph (1)(B) relating to stu-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
dents and families shall, with respect to activi-
ties carried out under a program under this 
section, at a minimum include provisions to 
evaluate whether the program is effective in— 
‘‘(i) improving social, emotional, men-
tal, and behavioral health and wellness; 
‘‘(ii) increasing academic competency 
(as defined by Secretary); 
‘‘(iii) reducing disruptive and aggres-
sive behaviors; 
‘‘(iv) improving child functioning; 
‘‘(v) reducing substance use disorders; 
‘‘(vi) reducing suspensions, truancy, 
expulsions and violence; 
‘‘(vii) increasing graduation rates (de-
fined as the percentage of students who 
graduate from secondary school with a reg-
ular diploma in the standard number of 
years); and 
‘‘(viii) improving access to care for 
mental health disorders. 
‘‘(C) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.— 
The outcome measures developed under para-
graph (1)(B) relating to local educational sys-
tems shall, with respect to activities carried out 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
under a program under this section, at a min-
imum include provisions to evaluate— 
‘‘(i) the effectiveness of comprehensive 
school mental health programs established 
under this section; 
‘‘(ii) the effectiveness of formal part-
nership linkages among child and family 
serving institutions, community support 
systems, and the educational system; 
‘‘(iii) the progress made in sustaining 
the program once funding under the grant 
has expired; 
‘‘(iv) the effectiveness of training and 
professional development programs for all 
school personnel that incorporate indica-
tors that measure cultural and linguistic 
competencies under the program in a man-
ner that incorporates appropriate cultural 
and linguistic training; 
‘‘(v) the improvement in perception of 
a safe and supportive learning environment 
among school staff, students, and parents; 
‘‘(vi) the improvement in case-finding 
of students in need of more intensive serv-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
ices and referral of identified students to 
early intervention and clinical services; 
‘‘(vii) the improvement in the imme-
diate availability of clinical assessment and 
treatment services within the context of 
the local community to students posing a 
danger to themselves or others; 
‘‘(viii) the increased successful matric-
ulation to postsecondary school; and 
‘‘(ix) reduced referrals to juvenile jus-
tice. 
‘‘(3) SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL DATA.—An entity 
that receives a grant, contract, or cooperative agree-
ment under this section shall annually submit to the 
Administrator a report that includes data to evalu-
ate the success of the program carried out by the en-
tity based on whether such program is achieving the 
purposes of the program. Such reports shall utilize 
the measures of outcomes under paragraph (2) in a 
reasonable manner to demonstrate the progress of 
the program in achieving such purposes. 
‘‘(4) EVALUATION BY ADMINISTRATOR.—Based 
on the data submitted under paragraph (3), the Ad-
ministrator shall annually submit to Congress a re-
port concerning the results and effectiveness of the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
programs carried out with assistance received under 
this section. 
‘‘(5) LIMITATION.—A grantee shall use not to 
exceed 10 percent of amounts received under a grant 
under this section to carry out evaluation activities 
under this subsection. 
‘‘(g) INFORMATION
AND
EDUCATION.—The Sec-
retary shall establish comprehensive information and edu-
cation programs to disseminate the findings of the knowl-
edge development and application under this section to the 
general public and to health care professionals. 
‘‘(h) AMOUNT OF GRANTS AND AUTHORIZATION OF 
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) AMOUNT OF GRANTS.—A grant under this 
section shall be in an amount that is not more than 
$1,000,000 for each of grant years 2018 through 
2022. The Secretary shall determine the amount of 
each such grant based on the population of children 
up to age 21 of the area to be served under the 
grant. 
‘‘(2) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this section, $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2018 through 2022.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Part G of title V of 
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290hh et seq.), 
as amended by this section, is further amended by striking 
the part heading and inserting the following: 
‘‘PART G—SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH’’. 
SEC. 103. HIGH UTILIZERS. 
Section 2991 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe 
Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10651) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsections (m) through 
(o) as subsections (n) through (p), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (l) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(m) DEMONSTRATION GRANTS RESPONDING
TO 
HIGH UTILIZERS.— 
‘‘(1) DEFINITION.—In this subsection, the term 
‘high utilizer’ means an individual who— 
‘‘(A) manifests obvious signs of mental ill-
ness or has been diagnosed by a qualified men-
tal health professional as having a mental ill-
ness; and 
‘‘(B) consumes a significantly dispropor-
tionate quantity of public resources, such as 
emergency, housing, judicial, corrections, and 
law enforcement services. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) DEMONSTRATION GRANTS RESPONDING TO 
HIGH UTILIZERS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General 
may award not more than 6 grants per year 
under this subsection to applicants for the pur-
pose of reducing the use of public services by 
high utilizers. 
‘‘(B) USE OF GRANTS.—A recipient of a 
grant awarded under this subsection may use 
the grant— 
‘‘(i) to develop or support multidisci-
plinary teams that coordinate, implement, 
and administer community-based crisis re-
sponses and long-term plans for high uti-
lizers; 
‘‘(ii) to provide training on how to re-
spond appropriately to the unique issues 
involving high utilizers for public service 
personnel, including criminal justice, men-
tal health, substance abuse, emergency 
room, healthcare, law enforcement, correc-
tions, and housing personnel; 
‘‘(iii) to develop or support alter-
natives to hospital and jail admissions for 
high utilizers that provide treatment, sta-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
bilization, and other appropriate supports 
in the least restrictive, yet appropriate, en-
vironment; or 
‘‘(iv) to develop protocols and systems 
among law enforcement, mental health, 
substance abuse, housing, corrections, and 
emergency medical service operations to 
provide coordinated assistance to high uti-
lizers. 
‘‘(C) REPORT.—Not later than the last 
day of the first year following the fiscal year in 
which a grant is awarded under this subsection, 
the recipient of the grant shall submit to the 
Attorney General a report that— 
‘‘(i) measures the performance of the 
grant recipient in reducing the use of pub-
lic services by high utilizers; and 
‘‘(ii) provides a model set of practices, 
systems, or procedures that other jurisdic-
tions can adopt to reduce the use of public 
services by high utilizers.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
TITLE II—IMPROVING 
RESEARCH ON VIOLENCE 
SEC. 201. RESEARCH WITH RESPECT TO VIOLENCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health and 
Human Services, in consultation with the Director of the 
National Institutes of Health, shall expand and intensify 
research on self-directed and other-directed violence asso-
ciated with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. 
(b) LIMITATIONS
ON AUTHORIZATION
OF APPRO-
PRIATIONS.—To carry out subsection (a), there are au-
thorized to be appropriated $100,000, without fiscal year 
limitation, which is authorized to remain available until 
expended. 
TITLE 
III—UNDERSTANDING 
THE EPIDEMIC OF GUN VIO-
LENCE 
SEC. 301. NATIONAL VIOLENT DEATH REPORTING SYSTEM. 
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting 
through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention, shall improve the National Violent Death 
Reporting System, as authorized by title III of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.), particularly 
through the expansion of the application of such system 
to include the 50 States. Participation in the system by 
the States shall be voluntary. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
SEC. 302. REAFFIRMING CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL 
AND PREVENTION’S AUTHORITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 391 of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280b) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘research 
relating to the causes, mechanisms, prevention, diag-
nosis, treatment of injuries, and rehabilitation from 
injuries;’’ and inserting ‘‘research, including data 
collection, relating to— 
‘‘(A) the causes, mechanisms, prevention, diag-
nosis, and treatment of injuries, including with re-
spect to gun violence; and 
‘‘(B) rehabilitation from such injuries;’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(c) NO ADVOCACY OR PROMOTION OF GUN CON-
TROL.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to— 
‘‘(1) authorize the Secretary to give assistance, 
make grants, or enter into cooperative agreements or 
contracts for the purpose of advocating or promoting 
gun control; or 
‘‘(2) permit a recipient of any assistance, grant, 
cooperative agreement, or contract under this section 
to use such assistance, grant, agreement, or contract 
for the purpose of advocating or promoting gun con-
trol.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 
394A(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
280b–3(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘authorized to be ap-
propriated’’ and all that follows through the end and in-
serting the following: ‘‘authorized to be appropriated such 
sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2018 
through 2022.’’. 
SEC. 303. PROTECTING CONFIDENTIAL DOCTOR-PATIENT 
RELATIONSHIP. 
Section 2717(c) of the Public Health Service Act (42 
U.S.C. 300gg–17(c)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph: 
‘‘(6) 
RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—Notwith-
standing the previous provisions of this subsection, 
none of the authorities provided to the Secretary 
under this subsection, Public Law 111–148, or an 
amendment made by such Public Law shall be con-
strued to prohibit a physician or other health care 
provider from— 
‘‘(A) asking a patient about the ownership, 
possession, use, or storage of a firearm or am-
munition in the home of such patient; 
‘‘(B) speaking to a patient about gun safe-
ty; or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(C) reporting to the authorities a pa-
tient’s threat of violence.’’. 
TITLE IV—ENSURING SAFE 
COMMUNITIES 
SEC. 401. BAN ON FIREARM POSSESSION BY PERSON COM-
MITTED INVOLUNTARILY TO MENTAL INSTI-
TUTION ON AN OUTPATIENT BASIS. 
Subsections (d)(4) and (g)(4) of section 922 of title 
18, United States Code, are each amended by inserting 
‘‘on an involuntary inpatient or involuntary outpatient 
basis’’ before the semicolon. 
SEC. 402. GRANT PROGRAM REGARDING FIREARMS. 
Section 506(b) of the Omnibus Crime Control and 
Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10157(b)) is amend-
ed— 
(1) by striking ‘‘1 or more States or units of 
local government, for 1 or more of the purposes 
specified in section 501, pursuant to his determina-
tion that the same is necessary’’; 
(2) by inserting before paragraph (1) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(1) one or more States or units of local gov-
ernment, for one or more of the purposes specified 
in section 501, pursuant to his determination that 
the same is necessary—’’; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS
(3) by redesignating the second paragraph (1) 
as subparagraph (A); 
(4) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) by striking the period at the end and 
inserting ‘‘; or’’; and 
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as sub-
paragraph (B); and 
(5) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) one or more States, if that State has dem-
onstrated, in the determination of the Attorney Gen-
eral, that the State has adopted policies, procedures, 
protocols, laws or regulations pertaining to the pos-
session or transfer of firearms or ammunition that— 
‘‘(A)(i) give State and local law enforce-
ment the authority, to the extent allowable 
under Federal laws and the United States Con-
stitution, to seize firearms or ammunition from 
an individual pursuant to a warrant, where 
there is probable cause to believe that the indi-
vidual in possession of such firearms or ammu-
nition poses an elevated risk of harm to himself 
or herself or to another individual, which may 
be determined by considering whether the indi-
vidual has caused harm to himself or herself or 
another individual, has detailed plans to cause 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:37 Oct 30, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4142.IH
H4142
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with BILLS