ARTICLE 39

Relating To MENTAL HEALTH, RETARDATION AND HOSPITALS

SECTION 1. Chapter 40.1-21 of the General Laws entitled "Division of Developmental Disabilities" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

40.1-21-18. Release of grant agreement liens. – The department of mental health, retardation and hospitals shall discharge and file releases of grant agreement liens in the land evidence records of the municipality where the real estate is located, entered into between the department and providers of services for individuals with developmental disabilities prior to July 1, 2008. The department shall waive any and all right, title and interest in and to any and all properties where grants are in place. Provided, however, each provider of services for individuals with developmental disabilities shall demonstrate that the release of grant agreement liens, and revenue generated as a direct result thereof, will be applied to community based services for person with developmental disabilities pursuant to a plan submitted to the department. The approval by the department for the discharge and release of liens shall not be unreasonably withheld. Nothing herein shall be construed to release the department's interest in a home owned by the state of Rhode Island.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.