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HB 1049

Behavioral Health Crisis Response Grant Program - Funding

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Feldmark

Maryland establishes a grant program to fund behavioral health crisis response services as alternatives to law enforcement for mental health emergencies.

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1049

Legislative bill overview

HB 1049 establishes a grant program to fund behavioral health crisis response services in Maryland. The bill allocates state resources to support communities in developing and implementing crisis intervention programs, likely including mobile crisis teams, crisis hotlines, and alternative response models to traditional law enforcement for mental health emergencies.

Why is this important

Mental health crises currently often default to law enforcement response, which can escalate situations and strain police resources. Dedicated behavioral health crisis response teams can reduce unnecessary arrests, emergency room visits, and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies while freeing law enforcement to focus on public safety priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation and sustainability: Grant programs require ongoing appropriations; unclear whether this represents new funding or reallocation from existing budgets, and whether grants are sufficient to establish sustainable local programs
  • Implementation oversight and accountability: Questions about how grant recipients will be selected, what performance metrics will measure success, and how the state will ensure equitable distribution across urban and rural areas
  • Coordination with existing services: Potential overlap or coordination challenges with existing mental health infrastructure, hospital-based crisis units, and community mental health centers already operating in Maryland

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

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