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Bill > SB0137


IN SB0137

IN SB0137
Involuntary treatment of substance use disorder.


summary

Introduced
01/05/2026
In Committee
01/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Involuntary treatment of substance use disorder. Allows an individual's spouse, legal guardian, friend, relative, or medical service provider to petition a court for involuntary substance use disorder treatment. Requires a petition to include certain information and allows a court to dismiss a petition, without prejudice, if it does not contain the required information. Requires the court to appoint a public defender if the individual subject to a petition seeking involuntary substance use disorder treatment is not represented by an attorney. Requires a court to order the individual to be evaluated by a medical provider if the court finds that: (1) the individual has a substance use disorder; (2) because of the individual's substance use disorder, the individual is experiencing impaired judgment and is unable to independently maintain the individual's activities of daily living or is a danger to self or others; and (3) the individual refuses to voluntarily participate in substance use disorder treatment. Allows a court to order a local law enforcement agency to consider whether an individual meets the criteria for emergency detention under certain circumstances. Requires a medical provider who completes an evaluation concerning an individual's need for substance use disorder treatment to submit the evaluation to the court. Specifies that after receiving an evaluation from a medical provider, the court may dismiss the petition or set a hearing for further evidence to be presented about the individual's need for substance use disorder treatment. Requires a court to order involuntary outpatient substance use disorder treatment for a period, not to exceed 90 days, if medical evidence supports that the individual requires immediate treatment for a substance use disorder and the individual has refused treatment.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a legal framework for involuntary substance use disorder treatment in Indiana, allowing a spouse, legal guardian, friend, relative, or medical provider to petition a court for mandatory treatment of an individual with a substance use disorder. The bill requires petitions to include detailed information about the individual's condition, such as their inability to maintain daily activities or potential danger to themselves or others, and mandates that the court conduct a hearing within ten days of filing. If the court finds that the individual has a substance use disorder, is experiencing impaired judgment, and refuses voluntary treatment, it will order a medical evaluation. Following the evaluation, the court may dismiss the petition or set a hearing to determine treatment. If medical evidence supports the need for immediate treatment and the individual has refused, the court can order involuntary outpatient treatment for up to 90 days, with treatment requirements based on medical recommendations. The bill also provides provisions for emergency detention if the individual meets specific mental health criteria and includes safeguards such as appointing a public defender if the individual is not represented by an attorney. The involuntary treatment order can be dismissed either when the 90-day treatment period expires or if the individual voluntarily enters treatment.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Senator Charbonneau added as second author (on 01/12/2026)

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