Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.
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Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Passed
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
Senate Bill 989 creates the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program, which allows first responders to initiate a process for adults experiencing severe mental illness to receive behavioral health care, including stabilization medication, housing, and other services. The bill enables first responders to request a county behavioral health agency file a petition to begin the CARE process, and requires the agency to review the request and notify the responder of the outcome. This program is intended to provide coordinated support for individuals with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders who meet specific criteria.
Key provisions
- First responders can now contact county behavioral health agencies to request a CARE petition.
- County behavioral health agencies must review requests within 30 business days.
- Agencies must notify first responders of the outcome of the review, including whether a petition was filed.
- The Department of Behavioral Health will develop a referral form for first responders.
- The Department will provide guidance on the referral process.
- The Department will track requests made under this bill in annual CARE Act reports.
- The bill ensures state reimbursement for costs associated with the program.
Who is affected
- Adults with severe mental illness (schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
- First Responders
- County Behavioral Health Agencies
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
Bill text
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Sponsors
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5 on record
Primary sponsor
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