CT
Connecticut House Bill HB05900

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05900

Introduced
1/23/19  
Introduced
1/23/19  
Refer
1/23/19  

Caption

An Act Concerning An Emergency Examination Of Certain Persons With A Substance Use Disorder.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5900 would amend existing statutes to clarify and expand the circumstances under which law enforcement can take action regarding individuals with substance use issues. By allowing officers to initiate custody for emergency examinations without a warrant when there's reasonable cause, the bill reflects a shift towards prioritizing urgent health needs and safety. This change aims to enhance the support system for individuals struggling with addiction, ultimately aiming to connect them with necessary treatment rather than allowing them to remain in potentially harmful situations.

Summary

House Bill 5900, titled 'An Act Concerning An Emergency Examination Of Certain Persons With A Substance Use Disorder,' aims to empower police officers with the authority to detain individuals suspected of having a substance use disorder who are deemed dangerous to themselves or others, or who are gravely disabled. This legislative proposal recognizes the pressing need for timely interventions in cases where individuals may pose a risk due to their substance use and seeks to facilitate immediate medical evaluation and treatment in a hospital setting.

Contention

However, the bill may invoke debate regarding the extent of police power and the implications for individuals' rights. Critics of the bill may argue that increasing police authority over health-related matters could lead to potential misuse or overreach, particularly concerning individuals' civil liberties. Additionally, there may be concerns about how this intersects with existing mental health laws and how best to balance public safety with compassionate care for those facing substance use disorders. Advocates for mental health reform may emphasize the need for comprehensive treatment options rather than solely focusing on law enforcement solutions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05397

An Act Concerning Emergency Intervention By A Police Officer When A Person Is Incapacitated By Drugs Or Due To A Medical Emergency.

CT SB00320

An Act Concerning Early Childhood Developmental Disorders.

CT SB00001

An Act Concerning The Health And Safety Of Connecticut Residents.

CT HB05200

An Act Concerning Health Care Accessibility For Persons With A Disability.

CT HB05365

An Act Concerning Technical Revisions To Statutes Concerning Human Services.

CT HB05279

An Act Concerning Authority To Declare That A Firefighter, Police Officer Or Emergency Medical Service Personnel Died In The Line Of Duty.

CT SB00183

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Motor Vehicles And Concerning Low-speed Vehicles, The Towing Of Occupied Vehicles, School Buses, Electric Commercial Vehicles, The Passenger Registration Of Pick-up Trucks And Removable Windshield Placards For Persons Who Are Blind And Persons With Disabilities.

CT SB00212

An Act Concerning The Revisor's Technical Corrections To The General Statutes.

CT HB05500

An Act Concerning Revisions To Various Laws Concerning Ignition Interlock Devices, The Department Of Correction, Judicial Retirement Salaries And Criminal Law And Criminal Procedure.

CT HB05509

An Act Concerning The Enticement Of A Minor To Commit A Crime, Searches Of A Motor Vehicle, The Psychiatric Security Review Board And Victims' Compensation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.