MT SB435

Creates a new 72-hour mental health hold allowing placement in a mental health or crisis stabilization facility at the written request of a mental health professional when an individual cannot meet basic needs, causes injury, or poses an imminent threat due to a mental disorder

Requires mental health evaluation within 24 hours of the hold, with immediate notification to the county attorney and state public defender; the hold begins when the individual is first detained

Individuals under the 72-hour hold may consent to stabilizing medication but cannot refuse lifesaving medication deemed necessary by a professional; release may occur at any time if treatment is no longer needed

Expands options for waiving a respondent's physical presence at hearings to include requests from the respondent, respondent's counsel, or county attorney, with required concurrence from the professional person

Authorizes emergency care providers (in addition to peace officers) to take individuals into custody during mental health emergencies and expands court discretion for using electronic audio-video communication in commitment hearings