HB 1377 Summary - Baker Act

• Creates a Department of Children and Families workgroup to evaluate and recommend improvements to the Baker Act, with membership including judges, medical professionals, law enforcement, public defenders, and mental health providers.

• Workgroup must be appointed by June 1, 2018, hold first meeting before July 1, 2018, review draft recommendations by September 1, 2018, and submit final report to state leadership and Legislature by November 1, 2018.

• Requires facility administrators to file petitions for voluntary placement of minors under 18 within 24 hours of admission or transfer to voluntary status at receiving facilities and crisis stabilization units.

• Mandates courts hold hearings within 5 court working days to verify that a minor's consent to voluntary admission is voluntary and not coerced.

• Eliminates filing fees for voluntary placement petitions and takes effect upon becoming law.