SB240 Enrolled is a legislative bill that amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to update the procedures and criteria for the involuntary commitment of individuals with mental illness, particularly when a substance use disorder is secondary to their primary mental illness diagnosis. The bill authorizes judges of probate to commit such individuals and to establish procedures for limiting their liberty before a final hearing. It also allows for the assessment of the respondent's condition by consulting with medical professionals. The bill introduces new definitions for "co-occurring substance use disorder" and "substance use disorder," and it mandates the immediate reporting of involuntary commitment orders to state and national databases for firearms restrictions. Changes include the replacement of the term "person" with "individual," and the removal of certain outdated terms.

Additionally, SB240 outlines the process for transferring individuals from inpatient to outpatient treatment, requiring facility directors to assess and recommend less restrictive treatment alternatives prior to the expiration of the current commitment order. The bill ensures that individuals have access to treatment during confinement, and it adds a new subsection clarifying that mental health providers are not obligated to expand services without the necessary funding. It also facilitates communication between judges to fulfill commitment orders when a respondent is confined for minor legal violations. The bill is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-52-1, 22-52-1, 22-52-3, 22-52-7, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-11
Engrossed: 22-52-1, 22-52-1, 22-52-3, 22-52-7, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-11
Enrolled: 22-52-1, 22-52-1, 22-52-3, 22-52-7, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-10, 22-52-11