This bill amends the definition of "mental illness" to include "substance use disorder" for the purposes of involuntary admissions. Specifically, it introduces new legal language that defines "substance use disorder" as the chronic or habitual consumption of controlled substances or inhalation of toxic vapors that significantly harms a person's health or social functioning, or results in a loss of self-control over substance use. Additionally, the bill clarifies that "mental illness" encompasses substantial impairments in emotional processes, control of actions, perception of reality, or reasoning, particularly when these impairments are caused by substance use disorder.

The bill also specifies that certain conditions, such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, and alcohol-related intoxication or dependence, are excluded from the definition of mental illness. The amendments to the existing law are intended to ensure that individuals with substance use disorders can be evaluated for involuntary admission under the same criteria as those with other mental health issues. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135-C:2, 135-C:27, 135-C:34
HB1790 text: 135-C:2, 135-C:27, 135-C:34