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VA HB249
Bill
Status
Enrolled
2/25/2026
Primary Sponsor
Vivian Watts
Click for details
AI Summary
- Amends Virginia Code § 9.1-193 regarding the Marcus alert system, which coordinates law enforcement and mental health crisis responses for individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies
- Adds an exception to the automatic removal of individuals from voluntary mental health databases when they turn 18, allowing continued inclusion if their information is maintained on an external database that cannot be modified by the locality
- Localities must maintain voluntary databases with mental health information and emergency contacts for 9-1-1 and Marcus alert system responses, with information submitted by individuals, parents of minors, or legal guardians
- The Marcus alert system aims to divert behavioral health crises to mobile crisis teams rather than law enforcement when feasible, reducing arrests, use-of-force incidents, and psychiatric hospitalizations
Legislative Description
Marcus alert system; external database information removal.
Last Action
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3/10/2026
Committee Referrals
Courts of Justice1/30/2026
Public Safety: Subcommittee #21/16/2026
Public Safety1/8/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available