HB284 Summary

• Authorizes designated law enforcement officers to take individuals 17 years or older into protective custody without a court petition when the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person has a mental illness and is an immediate danger to themselves or others.

• Requires officers to transport individuals to designated treatment facilities where two or more licensed physicians or one physician with nurse practitioners/physician assistants must evaluate and sign a statement within 24 hours; individuals must be released within 72 hours unless a probate judge orders further treatment.

• Provides civil immunity from liability to law enforcement officers, hospitals, physicians, medical providers, and designated treatment facilities acting under this article, treating them as state agents.

• Specifies that protective custody is not an arrest and no criminal record shall be created for individuals placed in custody under this authority.

• Repeals existing sections 45-3-172, 45-23-171, 45-27-171, and 45-35-171 of the Alabama Code and becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.