VirginiaHB2492026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Marcus alert system; external database information removal.

Sponsored By: Vivian E. Watts (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Marcus alert system; external database information removal. Clarifies that an individual's information may continue to appear on a voluntary Marcus alert system external database that cannot be modified by a locality after such individual reaches 18 years of age. This bill is a recommendation of the Behavioral Health Commission.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Local crisis protocols and 9-1-1 diversion

Localities with more than 40,000 people must adopt Marcus alert protocols that the state approves. Localities with 40,000 or fewer may adopt them. Population counts come from the 2020 U.S. Census. Every locality must set 9-1-1 rules that send suitable calls to a crisis call center for risk checks. When available, callers are routed to mobile crisis or community care teams.

Statewide rules for mental-health crisis response

The law puts the state behavioral health department in charge of Marcus alert rules. Beginning July 1, 2021, the department develops a written plan that sets roles and tracks progress. All police protocols and training are built with local behavioral-health partners and must be approved by the state. Protocols prioritize sending mobile crisis or other care first, with police as backup when diversion is not feasible. When police respond, protocols must, when feasible, use plain clothes or unmarked cars to reduce stress. Protocols and training include unobstructed body-worn camera use to review and improve responses.

Voluntary crisis info with privacy protections

Starting July 1, 2023, each locality offers a voluntary database for 9-1-1 and Marcus alert. You, a parent of a minor, or a court-appointed guardian can add contact and mental-health information. Records are removed at age 18 unless you or your guardian ask to keep them. If your data sits in an outside database the locality cannot change, it may not be removed. The law limits use of this data to emergency and crisis response only.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Vivian E. Watts

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 210 • No: 8

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/20/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/20/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/18/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice Block Vote

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 93 • No: 5

House vote 1/23/2026

Reported from Public Safety

Yes: 20 • No: 2

House vote 1/22/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 6 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0095)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 95 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB249)

    2/25/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB249ER)

    2/25/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    2/25/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    2/25/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/25/2026House
  10. Passed Senate Block Vote (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/23/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    2/23/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/20/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/20/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    2/20/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Courts of Justice Block Vote (13-Y 0-N)

    2/18/2026Senate
  16. Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

    1/30/2026Senate
  17. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/30/2026Senate
  18. Read third time and passed House (93-Y 5-N 0-A)

    1/29/2026House
  19. Read second time and engrossed

    1/28/2026House
  20. Read first time

    1/27/2026House
  21. Reported from Public Safety (20-Y 2-N)

    1/23/2026House
  22. Subcommittee recommends reporting (6-Y 1-N)

    1/22/2026House
  23. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB249)

    1/21/2026House
  24. Assigned HPS sub: Subcommittee #2

    1/16/2026House
  25. Referred to Committee on Public Safety

    1/8/2026House

Bill Text

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