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Bill

HB 1811

Enhancing crisis response services through co-response integration and support.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Callan and 20 co-sponsors

Washington law establishes co-response crisis programs pairing mental health professionals with responders to handle behavioral emergencies, effective July 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1811

Legislative bill overview

HB 1811 establishes a framework for integrating co-response crisis services in Washington state, where mental health professionals and law enforcement or social workers jointly respond to certain emergency calls. The bill provides funding, training standards, and operational guidelines for jurisdictions implementing co-response programs to address mental health crises, homelessness, and substance use incidents.

Why is this important

Co-response models aim to reduce unnecessary police involvement in mental health crises, potentially decreasing arrest rates, improving outcomes for individuals in crisis, and directing them toward treatment rather than incarceration. This represents a significant shift in how communities respond to behavioral health emergencies and could reduce both strain on law enforcement and costs associated with criminal justice involvement for vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding adequacy: Jurisdictions must hire and train additional mental health professionals; debate exists over whether appropriated funds fully cover program expansion, particularly in rural areas
  • Law enforcement concerns: Some police departments worry about reduced officer involvement in safety-critical situations and potential liability if co-responder programs fail to adequately address dangerous scenarios
  • Equity in access: Questions remain about whether all communities—especially rural and underserved areas—will have resources to implement programs, potentially creating disparities in crisis response quality

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

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