Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), community service boards (CSBs), and first responders; commend
Summary
House Resolution 252 is a commemorative resolution recognizing the work of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), community service boards, law enforcement, and other first responders in responding to mental health crises. The resolution highlights the state’s Co-Responder programs, created under Senate Bill 403 in 2022, which pair law enforcement officers with behavioral health professionals to respond to behavioral health-related calls and connect people in crisis with appropriate services.
The resolution states that these programs help divert individuals from unnecessary incarceration, improve access to behavioral health treatment, reduce strain on law enforcement resources, and strengthen coordination between public safety and mental health systems. It also designates February 19, 2025, as Co-Responder Day at the state capitol and directs copies of the resolution to be distributed to DBHDD, law enforcement agencies, community service boards, the public, and the press.
Impact
HR 252 does not amend Georgia statutes or create new legal requirements. Its practical effect is symbolic and promotional: it formally commends existing co-responder efforts, elevates public awareness of behavioral health crisis response, and encourages continued operation and expansion of these programs. The resolution reinforces the policy framework established by Senate Bill 403 and recognizes the roles of DBHDD, CSBs, and local public safety agencies in crisis intervention.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the resolution is strongly supportive and appreciative. The bill text praises co-responder programs as effective, collaborative, and beneficial to both public safety and individuals experiencing mental health crises. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes showing opposition, the available context suggests broad, noncontroversial support for the resolution’s goals and the agencies involved.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. Since HR 252 is a commendatory resolution rather than a regulatory bill, it appears to have little inherent controversy. The only implied policy emphasis is support for maintaining and expanding co-responder programs, which may matter to stakeholders focused on behavioral health services, law enforcement workload, and crisis diversion, but no opposing views are recorded here.
Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
Health; reassign licensing and oversight of certain treatments and programs from Departments of Community Health to Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Requires the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to publish a statewide guide to the youth behavioral health system.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26
Health occupations: health professionals; limited license for certain individuals engaging in the practice of applied behavior analysis; provide for. Amends secs. 16343a, 18253 & 18257 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16343a et seq.).