HB 1499

Bill Subjects

Health Generally Identity Law Enforcement Generally

Abstract

Requires the division of mental health and addiction (division), upon request, to issue a bracelet, an identification card, or both, indicating that an individual has been medically diagnosed with a mental illness, a substance addiction disorder, or both. Allows the division to charge a fee for the bracelet and identification card. Provides that the information collected by the division is confidential and establishes requirements before information may be released under a court order. Provides that if a person presents a bracelet or identification card issued by the division to a law enforcement officer, then the law enforcement officer shall use all reasonable means necessary to ensure that: (1) a crisis intervention team trained officer assists in the investigation that the law enforcement officer is conducting; and (2) the person is placed in a mental health facility before being confined in a county jail, if applicable. Requires the division to work with the law enforcement training board in a collaborative manner to develop best practice recommendations in order to ensure improved outcomes when a law enforcement officer encounters a person with a mental illness, a substance addiction disorder, or both.