HB 829 — Operation and Administration of the Baker Act
by Rep. Silvers and others (SB 938 by Senator Davis)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee (CF)
The bill directs the Department of Children and Families (the DCF) to update and publish a Baker Act handbook annually and post the updated handbook on the agency’s website every year by October 1. The bill also directs the DCF to maintain a repository of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the agency’s website and continually revise and expand the repository, as necessary.
The bill requires the DCF to inform certain stakeholders of their role in the Baker Act process and support their effective implementation of the Act. The DCF must support and facilitate research conducted by public and private agencies, institutions of higher learning, and hospitals in the interest of the elimination and amelioration of mental illness.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2023.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 108-0