Bill > SF1492

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for improving mental health civil commitment processes in Minnesota through several key provisions. The bill creates a new Civil Commitment Coordinating Division within the Office of the Attorney General, which will be led by a civil commitment coordinator appointed by the attorney general. The coordinator will have extensive responsibilities, including maintaining a Civil Commitment Advisory Committee, providing best practices guidance for engagement services and outpatient civil commitment, advocating for increased treatment capacity, offering technical assistance, collecting and analyzing data, and creating a public awareness campaign about mental health services. The bill also mandates that each county conduct diversion studies to examine local behavioral health systems and identify ways to divert individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or chemical use disorders away from the justice system and into appropriate treatment. Additionally, the bill establishes a Transport Hold Work Group composed of various stakeholders to determine best practices for transporting individuals in mental health crises and develop recommendations for safer transportation alternatives. The bill includes appropriations to support the new division, funding a coordinator position, data analytics services, and a public awareness campaign. These provisions aim to improve mental health interventions, reduce unnecessary justice system involvement, and create more effective support systems for individuals with mental health challenges.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1492&ssn=0&y=2025