SB164 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Juveniles, authorize juvenile court judges to extend jurisdiction of a community mental health officer in his or her county to juveniles, Secs. 22-52-90, 22-52-91, 22-52-92, 22-52-93 am'd.

Summary

SB 164 would let county juvenile court judges extend community mental health officers' power to temporarily detain and arrange evaluation and treatment for juveniles aged 14 and older who may be mentally ill and pose an immediate danger.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds juveniles 14 and up to the people who can be covered by community mental health officers, under the approval of the county's presiding juvenile court judge. It reinforces how CMHOs, police, and designated facilities would handle scenes where someone seems mentally ill and dangerous, including evaluation, possible admission, and, if needed, filing for commitment in juvenile court. It also clarifies funding for the process, including how probable cause hearings are paid, and what happens if a county has no local facilities ( beds in state facilities can be used).

Who It Affects

• Juveniles aged 14 to 17 in Alabama counties, who could be temporarily detained, evaluated, or committed for treatment under the CMHO program if the juvenile court approves the extension.
• County and local institutions (juvenile courts, probate/juvenile judges, community mental health officers, law enforcement, and the Alabama Department of Mental Health) that would implement, operate, and fund the CMHO program and coordinate detentions, evaluations, and hearings.

Key Provisions

• Extends community mental health officer authority to juveniles aged 14 years and older, to be approved by the presiding county juvenile court judge.
• Creates a process for assessment, potential admission to a designated mental health facility, and petition for commitment for juveniles 14+, including involvement of CMHOs, law enforcement, hospital staff, and the appropriate court, with specified funding arrangements for these proceedings.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Juveniles