The bill aims to enhance crisis response services in Washington State by establishing co-response teams that integrate first responders with human services professionals. This co-response model is designed to de-escalate crises, divert individuals from the criminal justice system, and provide immediate medical and behavioral health care to vulnerable populations. Key amendments include a new definition for "co-response," which describes a multidisciplinary partnership responding to behavioral health crises, and a specification that regional crisis lines will not dispatch law enforcement, emphasizing non-law enforcement responses to behavioral health emergencies.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to strengthen mental health services and protect the confidentiality of communications between individuals and various professionals, including peer supporters and advocates. It establishes that these professionals cannot be compelled to testify about communications made during their work without consent, with exceptions for imminent risk situations. The bill also expands the definition of "first responders" to include those engaged in co-response services and introduces provisions for frontline employees during public health emergencies, establishing a presumption that infectious diseases contracted in the line of duty are occupational diseases. Furthermore, it mandates the University of Washington to develop a crisis responder training academy by 2026, aimed at certifying best practices for crisis response.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 5.60.060, 51.32.181
Substitute Bill: 5.60.060, 51.32.181
Bill as Passed Legislature: 5.60.060, 51.32.181, 28A.210.070
Session Law: 5.60.060, 51.32.181, 28A.210.070