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House adopts resolution urging summer study of county mental health boards after constituent tragedy
Summary
The House unanimously adopted HCR 60 15 to recommend a summer study of county mental health boards and related involuntary-commitment statutes after a lawmaker cited a constituent tragedy; the resolution asks stakeholders and state agencies to review training, communication and background-check reporting.
The South Dakota House of Representatives on Feb. 18 adopted House Concurrent Resolution HCR 60 15, urging the Legislative Research Council to convene an interim study this summer of county mental health boards and statutes governing involuntary commitment.
Representative Mucky, the prime sponsor, said the measure grew from a constituent case in which a mother lost her daughter to suicide after multiple involuntary holds and described perceived gaps in how county mental health boards and the involuntary-commitment process interact with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. "This CR was brought together by multiple stakeholders who are impacted by this particular topic," Mucky said, noting participation from families, providers and law enforcement.
Supporters said the study would review outdated statutes, training and communications among county boards, the attorney general's office, Unified Judicial System officials and law enforcement, especially in rural areas with limited resources. Representative Wahlberg and others urged a green vote, saying coordination and additional training are overdue. The resolution does not create new law; it requests a legislative study and coordination with the Department of Social Services and the attorney general's office.
The House voted to adopt HCR 60 15 by recorded vote (ayes 46, nays 21, excused 3) after floor remarks. The resolution recommends forming an interim legislative committee to examine the role, training and functions of county boards of mental illness and report findings to the Legislature.
No formal appropriation or statutory change was enacted by the resolution; next steps, per the resolution text, are committee formation and stakeholder engagement during the interim.
