If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes regarding the transportation of individuals for mental health services. Under the new provisions, a peace officer would be prohibited from conducting the transport of a person from a hospital emergency department or a locked unit of a behavioral health facility to another health care institution, evaluation agency, or mental health treatment agency, unless specific conditions are met, such as the person being incarcerated or a request for emergency assistance being made. This change is marked by the insertion of new language that clearly outlines these exceptions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that an authorized transporter must conduct any apprehension and transport of a patient or proposed patient, thereby shifting the responsibility away from peace officers in most circumstances. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2030, as indicated by the new insertion regarding the effective date. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process of transporting individuals for mental health services while ensuring that peace officers are only involved when absolutely necessary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-503.02, 36-523
House Engrossed Version: 36-503.05
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-503.05