SB 5970 and HB 2892 propose grant programs to assist local law enforcement agencies to develop and operate mental health field response teams. The grant-funded teams would consist of mental health professionals trained to professionally, humanely, and safely respond to encounters involving persons with mental health issues. Both bills include studies to evaluate whether the use of crisis intervention response teams improve outcomes of interactions with persons experiencing behavioral health crises, including reduced rates of violence and harm.
SB 5970 has a public hearing on Monday, January 29 at 10 am in the Senate Law & Justice Committee and is scheduled for executive session on Thursday, February 1 at 10 am.
HB 2892 has a public hearing on Tuesday, January 30 at 1:30 pm in the House Public Safety Committee, and is scheduled for executive session on Thursday, February 1 at 8 am.
AWC supports both bills. Please contact Logan Bahr or Shannon McClelland with any questions.