SB246 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Garlan GudgerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Health, mentally ill persons, probate court, authorized to issue a renewal of an involuntary commitment order for treatment, after a hearing, Sec. 22-52-10.10 added; Secs. 22-52-10.2, 22-52-10.3 am'd.

Summary

The bill authorizes probate courts to renew outpatient involuntary treatment orders for mentally ill people after a hearing and sets the procedural rules for those renewals.

What This Bill Does

It allows renewal of outpatient commitment orders if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the person still needs treatment. It adds a new section detailing how renewals are filed, heard, and decided, including duration up to one year and special rules about revocation and potential inpatient care. It requires facility consent to treat outpatient, clarifies cost responsibility (counties do not pay for outpatient services), and preserves the framework for outpatient orders with specified conditions and treatment plans.

Who It Affects

• Mentally ill individuals currently under outpatient involuntary treatment, who could have their outpatient orders renewed if criteria are met.
• Probate court judges, who would hear renewal petitions and issue renewal orders.
• Designated mental health facilities, which must petition for renewal, provide consent to outpatient treatment, and implement prescribed treatment plans.
• Counties, which would not be financially responsible for outpatient outpatient services ordered under these provisions.

Key Provisions

• Amends sections 22-52-10.2 and 22-52-10.3 to permit renewal of outpatient commitment orders after a hearing when the respondent continues to meet criteria for treatment.
• Adds new section 22-52-10.10 establishing renewal procedures: petition filed at least 30 days before expiration, a hearing within 30 days, notice to the respondent, and proof by clear and convincing evidence that renewal is appropriate.
• Outpatient renewal orders may not exceed one year; if renewal occurs, revocation petitions seeking inpatient treatment are not allowed and a new petition for inpatient treatment must be filed if needed.
• Outpatient treatment orders require facility consent, may specify conditions and treatment plans, and must be based on continued need for treatment.
• Cost provision states counties are not responsible for the cost of outpatient services ordered under these provisions; such costs are not allowable under section 22-52-14.

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

Subjects

Health