HB 2412 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Health to redirect persons experiencing mental health crises who are involved with or at risk for involvement with the criminal justice system to behavioral health crisis centers instead of only psychiatric facilities.

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 334-59 to add "behavioral health crisis center" as an alternative destination alongside psychiatric facilities for emergency mental health evaluations and hospitalizations.

• Appropriates $6,000,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department of Health to implement crisis intervention programs and services.

• Addresses the "revolving-door" problem where individuals cited for public order offenses related to mental illness, substance abuse, or homelessness cycle through the criminal justice system by enabling diversion to health care services.