Relates to requiring the inclusion of suicide prevention resources be provided with a warrant of eviction

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luis Sepúlveda

Requires landlords to provide suicide-prevention resources to tenants when an eviction warrant is issued or served, linking eviction to mental health support.

REFERRED TO HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Overview and Purpose

S 3971 would require that suicide prevention resources be provided to tenants in connection with eviction warrants. Introduced on January 31, 2025, and referred to the Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee, the bill aims to ensure tenants facing eviction receive information about mental health and suicide prevention supports as part of the eviction process.

Key Provisions (as described)

Mandate: When a warrant of eviction is issued or served, the tenant must be provided with suicide prevention resources.

Mechanism: The specific method of providing resources (e.g., notice form, accompanying materials) would be defined in the bill’s text; the summary notes the requirement to include resources alongside the eviction warrant.

Scope: Applies to eviction proceedings governed by the state’s eviction process (details on jurisdictional scope would be in the full bill).

Who Is Affected

Tenants facing eviction who receive a warrant of eviction.

Landlords and property managers involved in eviction proceedings, who would be responsible for delivering the required resources.

Courts and housing agencies involved in processing eviction warrants, which may need to implement the notice or materials distribution.

Implementation Timeline and Process

Introduction date: January 31, 2025.

Legislative action: Referred to the Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee on January 31, 2025 (listed twice in the record).

No further calendar dates, fiscal notes, or implementation deadlines are provided in the available information; the committee reference suggests ongoing consideration.

Legislative History and Related Bills

Primary sponsor: Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda.

Related bills from prior sessions include S 9093, S 2230, S 1971, and A 2483 (companion); several of these may reflect ongoing policy discussions about tenant protections and eviction-related supports.

The presence of companion and related bills indicates interest in aligning eviction proceedings with access to mental health and suicide prevention resources.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Pros: Increases tenant access to mental health resources during a stressful eviction process; may reduce crisis situations and connect residents with support services.

Cons/Questions: How resources are defined and delivered, cost and administrative burden on landlords and courts, privacy considerations, and whether there are exemptions or special cases (e.g., emergencies, undocumented tenants).

Implementation clarity will depend on the full text, including exact language on the resources to be provided and the mechanism for distribution.

Next Steps for Readers

Monitor committee hearings for clarifications on the provision details (how resources are defined and delivered).

Review related bills (S 9093, S 2230, S 1971, A 2483, etc.) for context and potential harmonization or amendments.

Consider implications for tenant-rights, landlord compliance, and mental health resource networks in your jurisdiction.

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