Bill > SB436

This bill modifies Missouri's mental health detention law by removing the notarization requirement for applications seeking to detain an individual for mental health evaluation and treatment. The bill allows any adult to file an application alleging that a person is suffering from a mental disorder and presents a likelihood of serious harm, without needing to have the document notarized. The application must specify factual information supporting this belief and include names of people with relevant personal knowledge. The bill enables courts to authorize peace officers to take the respondent into custody and transport them to a mental health facility for up to 96 hours based on probable cause. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that no notarization will be required for such applications, including those filed by hospital employees, though the documents must still be subject to penalty of perjury. This change aims to streamline the process of seeking mental health intervention while maintaining safeguards to prevent frivolous or malicious detentions.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=351