The bill SB240 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the legal framework for the involuntary commitment of individuals with mental health issues, particularly those with co-occurring substance use disorders. It authorizes probate judges to commit individuals whose substance use disorders are secondary to a primary mental illness diagnosis and modifies the jurisdiction of sheriffs in serving commitment petitions. Key insertions include definitions for "co-occurring substance use disorder" and "substance use disorder," clarifying the relationship between these conditions and mental illness. The bill also changes the terminology from "person" to "individual" in the context of commitment petitions and specifies that petitions must indicate if a respondent has a secondary diagnosis. Additionally, it removes outdated terms and clarifies the responsibilities of probate judges and sheriffs, ensuring respondents' rights are upheld.

Further provisions in the bill require judges of probate to evaluate the necessity of limiting a respondent's liberty through interviews and consultations with medical professionals, allowing such limitations only to prevent substantial harm. The bill expands the criteria for involuntary commitment to include individuals with a mental illness and a secondary substance use disorder, mandates reporting of commitment orders to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, and establishes guidelines for outpatient and inpatient treatment commitments. It also emphasizes the need for timely treatment during confinement and allows communication between the probate judge and other court judges regarding respondents confined for misdemeanor charges. The act is set 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