AB 710

This bill requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to pay a stipend to

public members of the Wisconsin Council on Mental Health who meet certain

financial and other criteria if moneys other than general purpose revenue are

available. The bill allows DHS to pay a stipend to individuals who serve as appointed

members of a committee of the council and who meet certain financial and other

criteria if all eligible public members have received a stipend. DHS, in consultation

with the council, must determine stipend amounts, minimum financial need criteria,

and any other eligibility criteria. Currently, the council is in DHS and is comprised

of not less than 21 nor more than 25 members. The council is required to, among

other duties, advise DHS, the legislature, and the governor on use of state and

federal resources and on provision and administration of programs for persons who

have a mental illness; review all DHS plans for services affecting persons with

mental illness; and serve as an advocate for persons with mental illness. Under

current law, generally, council members may not be compensated for their services

but must be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the

performance of their duties related to the council.