S.B. 3139 Summary

• Establishes a Crisis Intervention and Diversion Services Program within the Department of Health to divert persons with mental health and substance use disorders from the criminal justice system to appropriate health care services.

• Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to coordinate crisis intervention training for state and county law enforcement agencies and certify crisis intervention officers in mental health first aid and the crisis intervention team model.

• Defines "mental health emergency worker" as a person designated by the department to provide crisis intervention and emergency stabilization services and assist in determining criteria for emergency admission.

• Exempts three crisis intervention coordinator positions in the Department of Law Enforcement from civil service requirements under section 76-16, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

• Appropriates funds for the crisis intervention and diversion services program, crisis intervention coordinator positions, and training and certification of crisis intervention officers for fiscal year 2024-2025.