HB290 Summary

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

• Law enforcement must transport individuals in protective custody to a hospital or designated treatment facility for evaluation and treatment; officers may use reasonable force if the individual does not consent to transport.

• Individuals must be released from the facility within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) unless a probate judge orders further inpatient or outpatient treatment.

• Protective custody is not considered an arrest and no criminal record may be created indicating detention or charges against the individual.

• Law enforcement officers, hospitals, physicians, and treatment facilities acting pursuant to this act receive immunity under Alabama law as state agents, except this provision does not modify existing medical liability laws.