HI HB775

Establishes a five-year social workers for public safety pilot program within the department of public safety to have social workers or human service professionals accompany law enforcement officers responding to incidents involving unsheltered persons, substance use disorders, or mental health crises.

Authorizes social worker assignment to calls involving disorderly conduct, substance use disorder, mental health crisis signs, or homelessness, with participation optional for detained persons who may decline interaction with the social worker.

Allows detained persons to follow social worker recommendations in lieu of arrest or citation if deemed appropriate by law enforcement and the social worker.

Requires the department to submit interim reports to the legislature prior to regular sessions in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027, and a final report by 2028 including efficacy, costs, and recommendation on making the program permanent.

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish five full-time equivalent public safety social worker or human service professional positions, with the pilot program sunset date of July 1, 2026.