The bill seeks to improve the integration and recognition of the Washington state behavioral health system with the Indian behavioral health system. It introduces provisions that allow attorneys representing tribes to intervene in court proceedings involving tribe members, enabling them to attend court, speak, request documents, and submit information about tribal resources. Additionally, behavioral health service providers are mandated to accept tribal court orders on par with state court orders. The bill also requires the development of updated court forms for designated crisis responders, which must be available by December 1, 2024, and utilized by superior courts starting January 1, 2025. Importantly, the bill clarifies that its provisions do not assert state jurisdiction over tribes and emphasizes collaboration between state and tribal health systems.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing definitions related to behavioral health services, particularly concerning secure withdrawal management and stabilization facilities, which must be licensed or certified by the Department of Health. It introduces new definitions, such as "Tribe" and "Video," and expands the definition of "Behavioral health service provider" to include tribal entities meeting minimum standards. The bill also modifies the petition process for assisted outpatient treatment, ensuring that tribes are notified when petitions involve American Indian or Alaska Native individuals. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the legal framework for managing behavioral health disorders while ensuring the rights and needs of tribal communities are respected and addressed.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71.34.020, 71.05.148, 71.34.815, 71.05.150, 71.34.710, 71.05.195, 71.05.201, 71.05.212, 71.05.214, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.05.458, 71.05.590, 71.05.620, 71.34.780, 71.05.730, 71.24.030, 71.24.045, 70.02.230, 70.02.170, 70.02.260
Substitute Bill: 71.34.020, 71.05.148, 71.34.815, 71.05.150, 71.34.710, 71.05.195, 71.05.201, 71.05.212, 71.05.214, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.05.458, 71.05.590, 71.05.620, 71.34.780, 71.05.730, 71.24.030, 71.24.045, 70.02.230, 70.02.170, 70.02.260
Second Substitute: 71.34.020, 71.05.148, 71.34.815, 71.05.150, 71.34.710, 71.05.195, 71.05.201, 71.05.212, 71.05.214, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.05.458, 71.05.590, 71.05.620, 71.34.780, 71.05.730, 71.24.030, 71.24.045, 70.02.230, 70.02.170, 70.02.260
Bill as Passed Legislature: 71.34.020, 71.05.148, 71.34.815, 71.05.150, 71.34.710, 71.05.195, 71.05.201, 71.05.212, 71.05.214, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.05.458, 71.05.590, 71.05.620, 71.34.780, 71.05.730, 71.24.030, 71.24.045, 70.02.230, 70.02.170, 70.02.260
Session Law: 71.34.020, 71.05.148, 71.34.815, 71.05.150, 71.34.710, 71.05.195, 71.05.201, 71.05.212, 71.05.214, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.05.458, 71.05.590, 71.05.620, 71.34.780, 71.05.730, 71.24.030, 71.24.045, 70.02.230, 70.02.170, 70.02.260