OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

BILL CREATES VOLUNTARY MENTAL HEALTH DATABASE

TO ASSIST LAW ENFORCEMENT, PROTECT AT-RISK OREGONIANS

HB 3466 Establishes Voluntary Database to Identify Individuals in Need of Services

SALEM— Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany) led House passage of a bill to create a voluntary database that provides information to assist law enforcement in identifying individuals in need of medical, mental health and social services. Rep. Olson, who has worked on the issue since 2007, said HB 3466 will help those who experience mental health issues receive the attention they need when interacting with law enforcement.

“This bill creates an avenue for families and those with certain medical issues to place their name into a database through the Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS), giving law enforcement officials greater access to information in an emergency situation,” Rep. Olson said. “HB 3466 provides protection for officers working in the field, provides protection for at-risk individuals, and offers peace of mind for their families.”

HB 3466 was the result of the efforts of state law enforcement officials, community mental health representatives, and clients of the mental health system and their families. During the 2007-09 interim, Rep. Olson coordinated meetings between the stakeholders, addressed concerns that derailed a similar bill in 2007, and developed an acceptable compromise.

“The concept of this bill began three years ago when Marion County Sheriff Raul Ramirez shared in the Judiciary interim committee that the county jails were the largest facility in the state for holding individuals suffering from mental health issues,” Rep. Olson said.  “HB 3466 address this problem by giving law enforcement the ability to help individuals without automatically incarcerating them.”

###