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Bill

B 26-0591

Lifesaving Intervention Empowering Neighborhoods (LIEN) Act of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Robert White

DC creates crisis response teams of civilians to handle non-violent 911 calls, reducing police involvement in mental health and low-level incidents.

Referred to Committee of the Whole
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · B 26-0591

Legislative bill overview

The LIEN Act of 2026 establishes a new emergency response program in the District of Columbia that deploys community-based crisis intervention teams to respond to certain 911 calls instead of armed police officers. The bill aims to create a more targeted approach to emergency services by having trained civilian responders handle mental health crises, substance use issues, and other non-violent incidents.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses growing national debate about police reform and appropriate emergency response allocation. Implementation could reduce police workload, decrease unnecessary arrests for low-level incidents, and potentially improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health crises—while also raising questions about funding, training standards, and public safety coordination.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and call classification: Defining which 911 calls qualify for civilian response versus police dispatch, and how quickly that determination happens, remains operationally complex
  • Liability and accountability: Questions about insurance, legal responsibility when incidents escalate, and oversight mechanisms for community responders
  • Resource allocation: Whether funding comes from existing police budgets (risking political opposition) or requires new appropriations (creating fiscal concerns), and whether adequate training infrastructure exists for staffing

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

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