S.F. No. 96 Summary

• Establishes an Alternative to Police; Public Safety Emergency Response Grant Program administered by the commissioner of public safety to fund cities and counties creating alternative emergency response programs.

• Eligible jurisdictions may redirect peace officer responses to trained professionals such as mental health professionals for mental health crises, health care professionals for overdose situations, and social workers for homelessness-related calls.

• Alternative responders may request police dispatch if necessary to protect safety of those involved.

• Funds transferred by cities or counties from law enforcement services to alternative responder programs qualify for matching grant funds from the program.

• Commissioner must submit biennial reports by January 15 of odd-numbered years detailing grants made, recipients, services funded, and assessment of results; may use up to two percent of biennial appropriation for administrative costs.