AL SB240

Authorizes probate judges to involuntarily commit individuals with a substance use disorder that occurs secondarily to a primary mental illness diagnosis, expanding commitment criteria beyond mental illness alone.

Adds new definition of "co-occurring substance use disorder" as a substance use disorder secondary to one or more primary mental illnesses, and clarifies that substance use disorder is commonly associated with mental illness and serves a public purpose.

Allows judges of probate to determine appropriate medical evaluation processes and establish procedures for limiting respondent's liberty pending final hearings, and permits judges to consult with licensed medical physicians or qualified mental health professionals.

Creates new Section 15-16-26 allowing a probate judge who issued a commitment order to request that a district, municipal, or circuit court judge discharge a respondent from confinement for misdemeanor charges or municipal violations so the mental health commitment order can be fulfilled.

Specifies that mental health providers are not required to expand existing services unless currently available funds support the expansion, and act becomes effective January 1, 2025.