VirginiaSB5142026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Marcus Alert Evaluation Task Force; created.

Sponsored By: R. Creigh Deeds (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Marcus Alert Evaluation Task Force creation. Requires the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to convene and adjust and update the membership of a Marcus Alert Evaluation Task Force to assist in determining the effectiveness of the Marcus Alert system. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Behavioral Health Commission. This bill is identical to HB 225.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More mental health crisis help statewide

The law builds a statewide crisis system for mental and substance use emergencies. It includes call centers, mobile teams, and short‑stay stabilization (under 24 hours). Five programs started by December 1, 2021, and five more by July 1, 2023. New systems are added again by July 1, 2024; July 1, 2025; and July 1, 2026. By July 1, 2028, every community services board area has a Marcus Alert system using a community care or mobile crisis team. The health department runs this system using state funds that are appropriated. Crisis call centers meet national lifeline and state standards.

Stronger oversight and equity in crisis response

By July 1, 2021, the state finished a Marcus Alert plan with police and health leaders. The plan sets how 9-1-1 calls move to crisis centers, how police back up teams, and who does what. Teams must meet state standards for training and operations. The state runs a Marcus Alert Evaluation Task Force that meets at least twice a year. Each year by November 15, the state reports program counts, calls, injuries, and racial disparity findings, with recommendations.

Health-led crisis teams, police backup

Community care teams are led by mental health providers. Teams may include peer recovery specialists and police. Police cannot be members of mobile crisis teams. Police only provide backup under agreed protocols. This keeps health staff in charge during crisis calls.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • R. Creigh Deeds

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 226 • No: 0

House vote 2/25/2026

Passed House

Yes: 96 • No: 0

House vote 2/19/2026

Reported from Health and Human Services

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Rehabilitation and Social Services Amendment agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/30/2026

Reported from Rehabilitation and Social Services with amendment

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/22/2026

Rereferred from Education and Health to Rehabilitation and Social Services

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0371)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 371 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/8/2026Governor
  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

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB514)

    2/27/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB514ER)

    2/27/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    2/27/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    2/27/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/27/2026House
  10. Passed House (96-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026House
  11. Read third time

    2/25/2026House
  12. Passed by for the day

    2/24/2026House
  13. Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar

    2/24/2026House
  14. Read second time

    2/23/2026House
  15. Reported from Health and Human Services (21-Y 0-N)

    2/19/2026House
  16. Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

    2/9/2026House
  17. Read first time

    2/9/2026House
  18. Placed on Calendar

    2/9/2026House
  19. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/4/2026Senate
  20. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB514)

    2/3/2026Senate
  21. Rehabilitation and Social Services Amendment agreed to

    2/3/2026Senate
  22. Engrossed by Senate as amended Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/3/2026Senate
  23. Read second time

    2/3/2026Senate
  24. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/2/2026Senate
  25. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

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