MS SB2481

Creates a 29-member Mental Health Task Force to conduct comprehensive review of Mississippi's mental health system, with the President of the Mississippi State Medical Association serving as chairperson.

Task Force must submit final report by December 31, 2016, containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the Legislature, Governor, and local/tribal governments; Task Force is abolished upon report submission.

Authorizes regional commissions to establish regional holding facilities for persons held for civil commitment, funded by $1.00 per capita county contributions matched 2-to-1 by state appropriation through the Department of Mental Health.

Permits persons in holding facilities and treatment professionals to participate in commitment proceedings by videoconference instead of appearing in court, with videoconferencing capacity required at holding facilities.

Holding facilities must comply with operational standards set by the Department of Mental Health and prohibits publication of jail photographs of persons held for civil commitment.