HI SB2505

Requires the Department of Health to repurpose unused state facilities to provide short-term residential stabilization beds for patients needing services for mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, which may include individuals experiencing homelessness.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal year 2020-2021 to the Department of Health for implementation of stabilization bed services.

Addresses identified gaps in Hawaii's behavioral health system, as documented by prior task force and working group findings, noting that 64% of homeless individuals nationally are dependent on alcohol or other substances and 36.4% of Oahu homeless single adults suffer from mental illness.

Aims to reduce overcrowding in emergency departments by providing appropriate triage and assessment services at a lower level of care than psychiatric emergency admissions.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.