Bill > HB0572

This bill aims to improve mental health services for individuals involved in the justice system by amending existing laws and enacting new provisions. It clarifies rules for licensing behavioral health receiving centers, which are facilities providing mental health services, and establishes requirements for these centers to communicate with law enforcement and courts when individuals enter their programs through diversion, meaning they are referred as an alternative to criminal penalties. The bill also mandates a study on screening tools for mental health and substance use disorders for inmates, with recommendations to be made by January 1, 2027, and a report to be submitted by November 1, 2027. Furthermore, it requires the creation of a standardized form by December 31, 2026, allowing defendants, inmates, parolees, or probationers to consent to the disclosure of their mental health or substance use disorder diagnoses to various entities, including healthcare providers and law enforcement, while ensuring compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA. The bill also expands the information first responders can provide to individuals seeking substance use or mental health services to include a statewide list of providers, and it makes changes to the procedures for temporary and involuntary mental health commitments, including reducing the number of required examiners in certain court proceedings and clarifying reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies regarding mental health training. Finally, it sets an effective date for the bill as May 6, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0572.html