Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB254

Introduced
2/11/25  
Refer
2/11/25  
Report Pass
2/20/25  
Refer
3/4/25  
Report Pass
3/19/25  
Enrolled
4/1/25  
Passed
4/11/25  

Caption

St. Clair County; mental health officer, powers and duties further provided

Impact

The proposed changes would give mental health officers more defined responsibilities, particularly in how they interact with law enforcement during mental health emergencies. By allowing law enforcement to engage mental health professionals on the scene, the bill intends to improve the quality of intervention for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The advisory board would have funding mechanisms through the established fees, ensuring consistent support for mental health services, including staffing and resource allocation for mental health initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 254 seeks to amend existing legislation concerning mental health management in St. Clair County, Alabama. It focuses on enhancing the powers and responsibilities of the St. Clair County Mental Health Advisory Board. The bill proposes the establishment of a more structured framework regarding the employment and duties of mental health officers, who will play a crucial role in crisis intervention and managing cases involving individuals with mental illnesses. This legislation aims to streamline responses to mental health crises, ensuring timely assessments and actions can be taken when individuals exhibit signs of severe mental health issues or pose risks to themselves or others.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial by expanding mental health resources, potential issues may arise regarding how effectively these officers can carry out their duties under the supervision of the probate judge and whether this supervisory structure may limit direct access to critical mental health services. Additionally, there may be concerns among community members about the adequacy of training and qualifications for mental health officers, as they play a pivotal role in the assessment and handling of individuals facing severe mental health challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB122

St. Clair County, further provides for license tag fees

AL HB152

Alabama Gaming Commission, established, duties provided for; casino-style games, sports wagering, and lottery games, regulated; gambling offenses, further provided

AL SB322

Department of Corrections; Deputy Commissioner for Prison Rehabilitation renamed; number of Deputy Commissioners further provided for; additional exempt and unclassified employees created; additional Joint Prison Oversight Committee duties created

AL HB406

County housing authorities, further provides for the powers of authorities and exempts from taxes

AL SB298

Greene County; county racing commission, further provided; simulcast racing, pari-mutuel wagering, further provided

AL HB464

Greene County; county racing commission, further provided; simulcast racing, pari-mutuel wagering, further provided

AL HB435

Public officers and employees; further provide for the benefits of the office of coroner and other related persons.

AL HB53

Franklin County, further provides for the compensation and office of the coroner

AL SB128

Public Health Department State Board of Health, entity abolished and duties transferred to State Committee of Public Health; membership of committee revised; State Health Officer duties and qualifications revised

AL HB397

DeKalb County, county commission, appropriation oof a portion of certain filing and recording for mental health professionals further provided for

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