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HB 1816

Mental Illness - As introduced, enacts "The Isbill Act," which requires the POST commission and Tennessee corrections institute to adopt guidelines and materials instructing law enforcement officers and correctional personnel on the criteria for emergency and nonemergency involuntary admissions to inpatient treatment and requires law enforcement officers and correctional personnel to undergo annual training on those guidelines and materials. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 38 and Title 41.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Williams

Tennessee bill mandates law enforcement and corrections staff receive annual training on psychiatric admission criteria to improve mental health crisis response and appropriate treatment placement.

Senate substituted House Bill for companion Senate Bill.
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Bill Summary · HB 1816

Legislative bill overview

HB 1816 requires Tennessee's POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) commission and the corrections institute to develop standardized guidelines and training materials on criteria for involuntary psychiatric admissions. Law enforcement officers and correctional personnel would be mandated to complete annual training on these guidelines to better identify when individuals need emergency versus nonemergency mental health intervention.

Why is this important

Mental health crises frequently involve law enforcement as first responders, yet officers often lack standardized training on psychiatric admission criteria, potentially leading to inappropriate responses—either unnecessary arrests or failure to connect people with needed treatment. Clearer guidelines and consistent training could reduce costly jail stays, improve outcomes for people in crisis, and decrease confrontations between police and individuals experiencing mental illness.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Annual training requirements add expenses for law enforcement and correctional agencies already facing budget constraints
  • Scope of authority: Questions about whether officers should make clinical determinations about admission levels, or whether this should remain solely with mental health professionals
  • Voluntary vs. involuntary focus: The bill emphasizes involuntary admissions; critics may question whether resources should prioritize voluntary treatment pathways and crisis diversion programs instead

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

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