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House committee divided over bill making ambulance default for involuntary mental‑health transports
Summary
Rep. Dennis Banyan's bill would make ambulance transport the default for compulsory mental‑health evaluations unless law enforcement deems it unsafe. Mental‑health advocates called it more humane; sheriffs and ambulance providers warned of safety, staffing and operational problems.
Representative Dennis Banyan introduced House Bill 10‑70 FN to make ambulance transport the default for people brought for a compulsory mental‑health evaluation (involuntary emergency admission), with a law‑enforcement override when EMT safety would be at risk.
Sponsor Dennis Banyan said ambulance transport prioritizes medical expertise, supports de‑escalation and better aligns care with behavioral‑health best practices. "This prioritizes medical expertise during transport, supports better de‑escalation, and aligns best practices for behavioral health…
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