Missoula County opposes SB 468, Generally revise involuntary commitment laws, up for hearing Monday morning in Senate Judiciary. This bill could further strain already limited court and mental health resources by introducing privately initiated involuntary commitment petitions, which could open the door to ex-partners, abusive partners and others abusing the system. It also removes the requirement that a person be an imminent threat to themselves or others or substantially unable to meet their basic needs, which would significantly lower the legal threshold of proof to commit people against their will. Bypassing law enforcement and County Attorneys' offices also removes a critical gate-keeping function and could further strain limited mental health resources.
While we believe revising involuntary commitment statutes is long overdue, the sweeping changes in this bill could do more harm than good if implemented quickly and without regard for costs at the state and county levels. A bill to study the issue would likely be a more effective avenue at this point.
Senator Olsen,
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes SB 468, Generally revise involuntary commitment laws, up for hearing Monday morning in Senate Judiciary. This bill could further strain already limited court and mental health resources by introducing privately initiated involuntary commitment petitions, which could open the door to ex-partners, abusive partners and others abusing the system. It also removes the requirement that a person be an imminent threat to themselves or others or substantially unable to meet their basic needs, which would significantly lower the legal threshold of proof to commit people against their will. Bypassing law enforcement and County Attorneys' offices also removes a critical gate-keeping function and could further strain limited mental health resources.
While we believe revising involuntary commitment statutes is long overdue, the sweeping changes in this bill could do more harm than good if implemented quickly and without regard for costs at the state and county levels. A bill to study the issue would likely be a more effective avenue at this point.
Please oppose SB 468.