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Bill

A 1068

Requires arrested individuals to be given a mental health evaluation form

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon

Requires law enforcement to provide every arrestee with a mental health evaluation form to flag needs early and prompt referrals.

REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1068

Summary of Bill A 1068

Overview

Bill A 1068 would require that individuals who are arrested be provided with a mental health evaluation form. The bill’s stated purpose appears to be to ensure that mental health considerations are addressed early in the arrest/processing stage.

What the bill would do

  • Require law enforcement or the responsible authority to give an arrested person a mental health evaluation form.
  • (Note: The available information does not include details on the form’s contents, how the form is to be completed, what happens after it is issued, or any related procedures or consequences.)

Who would be affected

  • Individuals who are arrested would be the primary recipients of the mental health evaluation form.
  • Law enforcement agencies and jail facilities responsible for processing arrestees would be responsible for issuing the form.
  • Mental health professionals and service providers could be involved down the line if the form triggers referrals or evaluations (though specifics are not provided in the available text).

Legislative and procedural context

  • Bill Number: A 1068
  • Title: Requires arrested individuals to be given a mental health evaluation form
  • Sponsor: Marianne Buttenschon (primary)
  • Status: Referred to the Mental Health committee
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Legislative actions: On January 8, 2025, the bill was referred to the Mental Health committee (listed twice in the record).
  • Related legislation: A 10100 (prior-session) indicates a related or prior-version of this concept exists.

Key details and limitations

  • The official text provided includes only the core requirement (issuance of a mental health evaluation form at arrest) and does not specify:
    • The exact contents of the form
    • How the information on the form would be used or stored
    • Any protections for the arrestee’s privacy or rights
    • Consequences for failure to provide or complete the form
    • Timelines for implementing the requirement or enforcement mechanisms

Potential impact and considerations

  • Early identification: Could help flag mental health needs at an early stage in the justice process.
  • Referrals and services: Might lead to earlier referrals for assessment or treatment, depending on subsequent provisions.
  • Resource implications: May require training for officers, changes to intake procedures, and potential administrative costs.
  • Privacy and rights: Should be monitored to ensure proper handling of sensitive mental health information.

Next steps

  • Monitor committee action on the Mental Health panel for any amendments, hearings, or votes.
  • Review any amended language or additional provisions that may be added in subsequent iterations.
  • Compare with related bill A 10100 for alignment or changes across sessions.

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

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