AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33 and Title 38, relative to alternative crisis response units.
Summary
HB0954 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to create and implement an “alternative crisis response unit” by January 1, 2026. The bill defines such a unit as a program in which a qualified mental health professional employed by a law enforcement agency accompanies a full-time police officer on mental-health-related calls for service, with the mental health professional serving as the lead on the call. It also defines “qualified mental health professional” by reference to existing Tennessee law.
The bill directs the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to establish uniform training standards for these units and to provide annual training to full-time police officers on how to support the mental health professional during these calls. One section takes effect immediately upon enactment, while the remaining provisions take effect on January 1, 2026, giving agencies time to develop the required programs and training structure.
Impact
The bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 33 and 38 by adding new definitions and duties related to crisis response and police training. It creates a statewide mandate for law enforcement agencies to establish co-responder-style mental health response units, and it expands the commission’s responsibilities to include setting training standards and providing annual officer training. The practical effect is to formalize and standardize mental-health crisis response within local law enforcement agencies across the state, affecting police departments, mental health professionals employed by those agencies, and the commission that oversees officer standards and training.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text alone and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a public-safety and behavioral-health reform with an implementation-oriented approach. Its structure suggests support for integrating mental health expertise into police responses to crisis calls, while also recognizing the need for statewide training and a delayed effective date for most provisions. No contrary sentiment is documented in the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the mandate that every law enforcement agency develop and implement an alternative crisis response unit by a fixed date, and the administrative and fiscal burden that may place on agencies, especially smaller departments. Another likely issue is the requirement that qualified mental health professionals be employed by law enforcement agencies and serve as the lead on calls, which may raise questions about staffing, funding, liability, and operational control. No specific objections or supporters are recorded in the provided transcripts or votes.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 24; Title 33; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 24; Title 33; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act.