HB 1831 Summary

• Establishes a behavioral health crisis center pilot program within the Department of Health's adult mental health division to divert people with mental health or substance use crises from the criminal justice system.

• Requires establishment of two behavioral health crisis centers—one in Honolulu and one elsewhere on Oahu or a neighbor island—operating 24/7 and providing services regardless of ability to pay.

• Centers must screen, assess, stabilize, and redirect clients to community care; accept law enforcement drop-offs; and not require medical clearance before admission but provide medical stability assessments.

• Authorizes the Department of Health to establish or contract with behavioral health crisis centers in each county and allows facilities designated by the director to receive emergency admissions and hospitalizations under Hawaii's mental health statutes.

• Requires progress reports to the legislature in 2025 and 2026; appropriates funds for facility lease/acquisition and crisis intervention services; pilot program expires December 31, 2026; effective July 1, 2050.