Bill > HF265

This bill, known as "Brent's Law," aims to improve the response to mental health crisis emergency calls by requiring 911 public safety answering points (PSAPs) to implement specific protocols and training. The bill mandates that 911 systems must include referrals to mental health crisis teams as primary responders where available. PSAPs must now either provide comprehensive training to their 911 telecommunicators on recognizing mental health crisis calls using evidence-based protocols, or employ mental health practitioners to screen calls for mental health crisis services. The Statewide Emergency Communications Board is tasked with adopting protocols to ensure compliance with these requirements. The bill also creates a robust civil remedy mechanism, allowing individuals or their representatives to sue government entities that fail to comply with these provisions. If a PSAP violates the law, they may be liable for damages, with potential exemplary damages ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 for willful violations. The bill further allows for court injunctions to prevent ongoing violations and mandates that courts award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing plaintiffs. This legislation represents a significant effort to improve mental health crisis response and provide accountability for emergency communication centers.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0265&ssn=0&y=2025