SB 238 Summary

• Allows minors to be taken into emergency protective custody for mental health evaluation but prohibits placement in jails or secure facilities, unlike adults who may be held in correctional facilities as a last resort.

• Creates new procedures for protective custody at correctional facilities or jails, requiring notification to the department, mental health evaluations every 48 hours if held beyond 48 hours, and a court review hearing within 96 hours of placement.

• Extends the timeframe for 30-day commitment hearings from 72 hours to 96 hours after arrival at a facility to allow adequate time for full evaluation of the respondent.

• Establishes that protective custody in correctional facilities is not an arrest and prohibits public records indicating arrest or charges; allows confidential records for administrative purposes.

• Defines "crisis stabilization center" as a short-term mental health service location certified by the department and modifies transportation payment requirements for involuntary commitment, effective immediately.