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Bill

S 5978

Relates to members of a mobile crisis team

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Salazar

S 5978 - Relates to members of a mobile crisis team OverviewBill Number: S 5978 Title: Relates to members of a mobile crisis teamStatus: REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTHIntroduced: March

REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
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Bill Summary · S 5978

S 5978 - Relates to members of a mobile crisis team

Overview

Bill Number: S 5978
Title: Relates to members of a mobile crisis team
Status: REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
Introduced: March 04, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to expand the qualifications and training requirements for members of mobile crisis teams, which are specialized units that respond to mental health emergencies in the community. The goal is to ensure these teams have the necessary expertise and resources to provide effective, compassionate care during crisis situations.

Key Provisions

  • Requires mobile crisis team members to have specific training and certification in mental health crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care
  • Mandates ongoing professional development and continuing education for mobile crisis team members to stay up-to-date on best practices
  • Allows mobile crisis teams to include a broader range of professionals beyond just law enforcement and emergency medical personnel, such as licensed mental health counselors, social workers, and peer support specialists
  • Establishes minimum staffing levels and response time standards for mobile crisis teams to ensure timely and reliable service
  • Directs the state mental health authority to develop standardized protocols and guidelines for mobile crisis team operations

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact the operations and staffing of mobile crisis teams, which are a critical component of the mental health crisis response system. By raising qualification and training standards, the bill aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of mobile crisis interventions.

Individuals experiencing mental health crises in the community would also be affected, as they would receive care from more highly skilled and specialized mobile crisis teams. This could lead to better outcomes, reduced use of force, and fewer unnecessary hospitalizations or incarcerations.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

S 5978 has been referred to the Senate Mental Health Committee for further consideration. If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full Senate vote. Given the bipartisan support for strengthening mental health crisis response, the bill has a reasonable chance of advancing through the legislative process, though the timeline remains uncertain.

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

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