LA HB546

Amends R.S. 28:53(L)(1) to allow peace officers to take a person into protective custody based on either personal observation or credible third-party information, expanding beyond the current requirement of personal observation only.

Requires two conditions for protective custody: the person must be a danger to themselves, others, or gravely disabled, AND there must be substantial risk of serious harm unless immediate custody occurs.

Removes the previous requirement that the person must need "immediate hospitalization" and instead focuses on the criteria of danger or grave disability combined with substantial risk of harm.

Requires peace officers to transport individuals taken into protective custody to treatment facilities in accordance with existing departmental practices and procedures.