CSHB 290(JUD) Summary

• Allows peace officers to deliver persons in acute behavioral health crisis to crisis stabilization centers or evaluation facilities instead of making an arrest, if the person voluntarily agrees or officer takes them into emergency custody.

• Delivery to a crisis stabilization center or evaluation facility does not constitute an arrest or involuntary commitment, and any agreement to treatment is inadmissible in criminal or civil proceedings and does not create immunity from prosecution.

• Mental health professionals must make reasonable efforts to notify the arresting officer of planned release if the officer requested notification and provided contact information.

• Establishes crisis stabilization centers as licensable facilities under AS 47.32, including 23-hour centers, crisis residential centers, and subacute facilities designed for short-term evaluation and treatment of acute behavioral health crises.

• Authorizes Department of Health and Social Services to issue provisional licenses or reimburse crisis stabilization centers under existing waivers during the transition period.