Friday, AUGUST 15, 2025 |
Photo – Carbon County Jail – Bigfoot99 file photo
County officials are hopeful that the state will begin reimbursing local jails to perform mental health evaluations.
During the August 12th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced that the state legislature is considering a draft bill to allow county jails to conduct mental health assessments in conjunction with the Wyoming Department of Health.
Sheriff Bakken said county jail inmates are frequently court-ordered to undergo a mental health assessment before being released. Due to the lack of staff and available beds at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston, the individuals may be forced to remain in jail for an extended period of time.
Sheriff Bakken said under the current system, Carbon County inmates may be held in the jail for several months, which he admitted is not the best environment for someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Additionally, holding an individual while they wait to be seen in Evanston places a significant financial burden on the county.
Under the proposed legislation, Sheriff Bakken said the Carbon County Jail may enter into an agreement with the Wyoming Department of Health to provide remote mental health services to inmates. Additionally, the state would allocate $5 million over two years to reimburse counties at a rate of $230 per day for housing inmates receiving mental health treatment.
Sheriff Bakken said he officially supports the draft bill.
Later that same day, the Joint Judiciary Committee heard testimony on the draft bill. Wyoming Department of Health Deputy Director Franz Fuchs explained that the payment structure hasn’t been finalized. Deputy Director Fuchs said facilities may receive different levels of reimbursement based on the type and success of services provided.
Department of Health Director Stefan Johansson acknowledged that not all jails will be equipped to provide every type of court-ordered mental health service. However, should the bill pass, Director Johansson said the Department of Health would be increasing access to mental health services in underserved communities, as directed by the state legislature.
Director Johansson said the draft bill can be tailored to the needs and abilities of the state’s individual detention centers.
After hearing testimony from several Wyoming sheriffs in support of the draft bill, the Joint Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to advance it for consideration by the Wyoming State Legislature during its next session.
