HI SB1594

Establishes a Crisis Intervention and Diversion Program within the Department of Health to redirect persons in the criminal justice system with mental illnesses to appropriate health care services and providers.

Authorizes the Department of Health to lease or acquire a behavioral health crisis center facility to treat and refer patients from the criminal justice system.

Defines "crisis intervention officer" as a law enforcement officer trained to recognize and communicate with persons in mental health crisis and certified by the Department of Health as specialized first responders.

Allows law enforcement officers to call for assistance from crisis intervention officers when a person is believed to be imminently dangerous to self or others, with transport to a designated behavioral health crisis center for evaluation.

Appropriates unspecified funds (amount not filled in) for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish the program and certify law enforcement officers in mental health first aid and crisis intervention team training, requiring dollar-for-dollar private matching funds.