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HB 6617

AN ACT EXPANDING THE CRISIS INITIATIVE PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE JUVENILE SERVICES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Exum and 1 co-sponsor

Summary of HB 6617: Expanding the Crisis Initiative Pilot Program for Juvenile Services OverviewHB 6617 seeks to expand an existing crisis intervention pilot program to provide add

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Safety and Security
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Bill Summary · HB 6617

Summary of HB 6617: Expanding the Crisis Initiative Pilot Program for Juvenile Services

Overview

HB 6617 seeks to expand an existing crisis intervention pilot program to provide additional services and support for juveniles in crisis. The bill would broaden the scope of the existing Crisis Initiative Pilot Program to focus specifically on addressing the needs of youth experiencing mental health emergencies, substance abuse issues, or other crises.

Key Provisions

  • Expands the existing Crisis Initiative Pilot Program to include specialized services and resources for juveniles in crisis.
  • Requires the state Department of Children and Families to administer and oversee the expanded pilot program.
  • Directs the department to establish crisis response teams comprised of mental health professionals, social workers, and law enforcement to provide 24/7 emergency intervention and stabilization services for youth.
  • Mandates the development of a comprehensive referral network to connect juveniles in crisis with appropriate community-based treatment, counseling, and long-term support.
  • Allocates $8 million in annual funding to implement and operate the expanded pilot program statewide.
  • Establishes a 3-year timeframe for the pilot, with the option to extend it beyond that period based on program outcomes and continued need.

Impact and Affected Parties

  • This bill is intended to address the growing mental health and substance abuse crisis among youth in the state, providing an urgent, specialized response system for juveniles in acute distress.
  • The expanded pilot program would serve as a critical safety net for at-risk youth, connecting them with immediate crisis support as well as ongoing services to promote long-term stabilization and well-being.
  • Key stakeholders that would be affected include the Department of Children and Families, local law enforcement, community mental health providers, youth-serving organizations, and families/caregivers of juveniles in crisis.

Timeline and Procedure

  • HB 6617 was introduced in the state legislature on January 24, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security for review.
  • If enacted, the bill would require the Department of Children and Families to begin implementing the expanded Crisis Initiative Pilot Program within 6 months of the legislation's effective date.
  • The pilot program would operate for an initial 3-year period, with the option to extend it beyond that timeframe based on an assessment of its outcomes and continued need for services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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