Bill > S0886

This bill establishes Crisis Care Coordination Pilot Programs in Polk and Volusia Counties, designed to improve mental health crisis response and reduce law enforcement involvement. The programs will place crisis counselors within local law enforcement agencies to intervene during acute mental health crises, providing alternative support and follow-up care. Crisis counselors will have responsibilities including on-site crisis intervention, conducting assessments, de-escalating situations, providing referrals, and offering voluntary follow-up services like safety planning, supportive counseling, and assistance accessing mental health and substance abuse services. The pilot programs will create formal partnerships with local mental health providers, hospitals, and support organizations to facilitate timely access to community-based behavioral health services. The Department of Children and Families is required to contract for an independent evaluation of these programs, with a comprehensive report due by January 15, 2029, that will analyze metrics such as law enforcement engagement time, repeat involuntary examinations, patient service engagement, and program effectiveness. The pilot programs are subject to specific appropriation, will be implemented by nationally accredited community mental health centers in partnership with local law enforcement, and are set to expire on June 30, 2029.

Budget and Finance

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs (S)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/886