Senate Panel Advances Bills to Expand Assisted Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
Update: Apr 29-May 12, 2025
A package of four bipartisan bills aimed at expanding access to assisted outpatient mental health treatment was unanimously advanced by the Senate Health Policy Committee. The legislation, including SB 219, SB 220, SB 221, and SB 222, seeks to improve early intervention by allowing individuals charged with misdemeanors to be diverted into outpatient treatment instead of awaiting crisis-level hospitalization. The bills would enable referrals by psychiatrists, allow law enforcement to act on reasonable cause, and permit courts to order treatment for up to 180 days, with options for extension. Supporters say the changes build on past reforms and will empower families, medical providers, and the courts to address mental health needs proactively and reduce the need for inpatient care.