Bill > HB0063

This bill addresses mental health crisis intervention and support by making several key amendments to existing law. It requires local mental health authorities to expand their crisis line services, ensuring that individuals can always reach a qualified mental health professional regardless of call volume or time of day. The bill mandates collaboration between local and statewide mental health crisis lines, with specific standards for staffing and call routing. Additionally, the Utah Behavioral Health Commission is tasked with developing a mental health crisis intervention pilot program focused on improving interactions between individuals experiencing mental health crises and the criminal justice system. The bill also requires the commission to study and make recommendations on crisis line practices, including staffing needs, technology requirements, coordination with 911 services, mobile crisis outreach team standards, and potential funding mechanisms. Local mental health authorities are now also required to provide more comprehensive information about emergency guardianship and alternative options for individuals in mental health crises. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, giving state and local agencies time to prepare for the new requirements and develop the proposed pilot program.

Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0063.html