HB 1253 Summary

• Consolidates administrative provisions for substance use disorder evaluation and treatment into a single statutory article (Article 81) by combining provisions previously scattered across multiple articles for alcohol and drug treatment.

• Revises definitions of "danger to self or others" and "gravely disabled" based on recommendations from the 2013 Civil Commitment Statute Review Task Force to establish clearer, more specific criteria for involuntary commitment.

• Removes jury trial options for substance misuse certification proceedings, requiring all hearings to be conducted before the court.

• Removes the term "imminent" from "imminent danger" requirements for emergency holds related to substance misuse, streamlining involuntary commitment standards.

• Requires treatment facilities to inquire about advance directives for behavioral health illnesses at admission and consider them in evaluation and treatment decisions when medically appropriate.