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Granite County moves to consider resolution backing a 72-hour mental-health temporary hold
Summary
Commissioners agreed to place Resolution 2026-7 on the agenda for first reading; the resolution asks MA Co to advocate for a 72-hour temporary hold based on a mental-health professional's letter to reduce immediate burdens on county attorneys and judges and provide short-term stabilization.
The commission voted to schedule first reading of Resolution 2026-7, a proposed Granite County resolution that would ask the Montana Association of Counties to advocate for improvements to the state’s civil and voluntary mental-health commitment process.
Presenters and public commenters described a system-wide backlog at the state hospital (Warm Springs) and the difficulty of arranging commitments that currently may require immediate petition filings and judge involvement. The proposed change would allow a licensed mental-health professional to submit a letter establishing a 72-hour temporary hold, giving clinicians time to stabilize a person with medication or short-term care while the formal petition process proceeds.
Supporters argued the 72-hour hold could reduce immediate demands on county attorneys and judges and allow faster stabilization for some individuals; commissioners moved to put the resolution on the agenda for a first reading and the motion carried. Commissioners asked staff to place the item on the next meeting agenda for formal consideration and possible adoption.
