SB348 Summary

• Applies only to Crenshaw County and authorizes law enforcement officers from designated agencies to place individuals into protective custody when they have reasonable cause to believe the person is mentally ill and an immediate danger to themselves or others.

• Requires officers to transport individuals in protective custody to a hospital or designated mental health treatment facility for evaluation, and permits use of reasonable force if the individual does not consent to transport.

• Mandates release of individuals from the facility within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) unless a probate judge orders continued inpatient or outpatient treatment.

• Provides that protective custody shall not be considered an arrest and no record may indicate the individual was detained or charged with any crime.

• Grants immunity from civil liability under Alabama law to law enforcement officers, hospitals, physicians, medical providers, and designated treatment facilities acting in good faith under this act, without modifying existing medical liability statutes.