MS HB1355

Requires law enforcement agencies to provide mental health evaluations to arrested individuals who reasonably appear to exhibit behavioral or mental health issues within 24 hours of arrest.

Mandates law enforcement agencies take individuals to medical facilities for treatment if mental health evaluations reveal a need for behavioral or mental health medication.

Requires every city, county, and regional law enforcement agency, jail, and prison to employ at least two employees who have completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training.

Mandates at least eight hours of annual CIT training for designated employees at law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities.

Directs the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards to establish minimum standards for CIT training and approve schools or programs providing such training, effective July 1, 2017.