Mental Health Boards, also known as 708 boards after House Bill 708, were first established by the Community Mental Health Act (405 ILCS20/) in 1963. To establish a 708 Board requires passage of a local referendum by any county, city village, incorporated town, or township. With the passage of a referendum, local governmental units levy an annual tax not to exceed .15% from a taxable property that is appropriated to the Mental Health Board.
A 708 Board is established for the purposes of planning and funding of mental health, intellectual/developmental disability, and substance use services. There are over ninety community mental health boards in Illinois.
