KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services asked Governor Bill Lee for $20 million to build an inpatient mental health facility in Knoxville during a budget hearing earlier this month.
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Marie Williams said the request was a response to Jillian’s Law, which allows the state to involuntarily commit certain criminal defendants for inpatient treatment.
“We really are struggling with beds,” Williams told the governor…