Wisconsin Senate Bill SB610

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/7/23
• Refer: 11/7/23
• Report Pass: 12/14/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

A law enforcement officer virtual behavioral health crisis care pilot program. (FE)

Impact

The bill aims to enhance the capacity of law enforcement officers to effectively respond to mental health crises in the field. By providing officers with remote access to behavioral health expertise, the program is expected to improve the outcomes for individuals in crisis, potentially reducing the number of incidents where involuntary commitments are necessary. The program will also aim to collect data on its effectiveness, ensuring accountability and assessment of its impact on public health and safety over time.

Summary

Senate Bill 610 establishes a pilot program for virtual behavioral health crisis care services intended for use by county or municipal law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin. This legislation promotes the use of technology to connect officers who encounter individuals in crisis with behavioral health professionals, thereby enabling immediate support through two-way audio and video communication. The Department of Health Services (DHS) is responsible for facilitating this program and is required to contract with a private entity to provide the necessary services, including training for law enforcement personnel.

Contention

Concerns surrounding SB610 may arise regarding the allocation of resources and funding, as participating counties must contribute 30% of the costs associated with the program. Additionally, the distribution of resources is capped, leading to potential inequities in access depending on county size. This aspect may raise discussions about whether smaller, less-resourced municipalities are at a disadvantage when participating in the program. Additionally, stakeholders might debate the effectiveness of virtual care in handling complex mental health situations in real-time compared to traditional methods.