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H 1749

An Act relative to a humane response to a mental health crisis

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 3 co-sponsors

H.1749 establishes humane mental health crisis response systems using specialized teams instead of traditional law enforcement for certain mental health emergencies.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1749

Legislative bill overview

H.1749 establishes a humane response framework for mental health crises in Massachusetts, likely shifting crisis intervention from traditional law enforcement to specialized mental health response teams or crisis workers. The bill appears designed to de-escalate situations and connect individuals to treatment rather than criminal justice pathways.

Why is this important

Mental health crises represent a significant portion of police calls, yet officers often lack specialized training. Redirecting these calls to trained mental health professionals could reduce unnecessary arrests, improve outcomes for individuals in crisis, and potentially lower costs by preventing emergency room and incarceration expenses.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding: Establishing new crisis response infrastructure requires significant public investment; unclear whether the bill specifies funding sources
  • Police role definition: Law enforcement may resist reduced call volume and authority; questions remain about when police backup is still necessary for safety
  • Coverage and accessibility: Rural or understaffed areas may struggle to implement 24/7 crisis teams, creating geographic disparities in service quality
  • Liability and accountability: Determining responsibility if a mental health responder's decision results in harm, versus current police liability frameworks

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

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