VA HB681

Expands the definition of "law-enforcement officer" to include retired law-enforcement officers who are authorized by a local law-enforcement agency to execute emergency custody orders and provide transportation for temporary detention admissions.

Defines "retired law-enforcement officer" as someone who within 10 years prior to authorization was an active law-enforcement officer in Virginia, an auxiliary police officer, or employed by a federal, state, or local law-enforcement agency with substantially similar duties, and who retired or resigned in good standing.

Retired officers authorized under this provision may execute emergency custody orders and transport individuals for mental health evaluations, but are excluded from the subsection G authority to take persons into custody based solely on their own observation without prior authorization.

Amends Virginia Code §§ 37.2-808 and 37.2-810 governing emergency and temporary detention procedures for individuals experiencing mental health crises who may pose a danger to themselves or others.