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HB 3131

Requires that a behavioral health specialist be dispatched with law enforcement when responding to calls classified by dispatch as mental-health related

2026 Regular Session Introduced by LaDonna Appelbaum and 3 co-sponsors

HB 3131 requires Missouri law enforcement to dispatch behavioral health specialists alongside police on mental health-related emergency calls to improve crisis response outcomes.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#lawenforcementofficersandagencies #mentalhealth
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Bill Summary · HB 3131

Legislative bill overview

HB 3131 mandates that Missouri law enforcement dispatch a behavioral health specialist alongside police officers when responding to calls classified as mental health-related. The bill aims to pair trained mental health professionals with law enforcement to improve crisis response outcomes and reduce potential conflicts or escalation in mental health emergencies.

Why this is important

Mental health crises can escalate dangerously when handled by law enforcement alone, potentially resulting in unnecessary arrests, injuries, or deaths. Co-response models have shown promise in reducing emergency room visits, arrests, and improving outcomes for individuals in mental health distress. This requirement could reshape how Missouri handles a significant portion of emergency calls while addressing staffing and resource challenges in both law enforcement and behavioral health sectors.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and resource allocation: No indication of who pays for behavioral health specialists, training standards, or how communities will secure qualified professionals, potentially creating unfunded mandates on municipalities
  • Dispatch classification accuracy: Mental health calls may be misclassified or evolve during response; unclear how the requirement applies to ambiguous situations or whether specialists are always available for immediate dispatch
  • Implementation timeline and feasibility: Behavioral health workforce shortages exist in many regions; the requirement may be impossible to meet uniformly across rural and urban Missouri without significant system development

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

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