HB5468 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 20696 WRO 34196 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB5468

Introduced 2/13/2026, by Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Replaces all references to the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services with the Department of Human Services throughout the Act. Provides that 9-1-1 public safety answering points shall screen specific types of law enforcement calls and follow approved protocols and processes under the Act to identify callers experiencing behavioral health crises and to refer them for a behavioral health response. Provides that 9-1-1 public safety answering points shall open and follow the emergency medical dispatch protocols established under the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act at the start of all emergency calls to ensure the protocols are used and applied consistently and uniformly to ensure that information related to behavioral health emergency calls is available for data collection and can be used to determine which calls should be referred for a behavioral health response. Provides that, among other things, each Regional Advisory Committee or subregional committee must (1) review regional and subregional crisis response system capacities and resources to inform planning and implementation and to foster collaboration across all sectors of the system and (2) determine the need for and make a plan to support local communities to develop and use other resources to create additional mobile mental health relief provider services to expand the capacity to provide more immediate service coverage. Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2027, all public safety answering points shall use the protocols established under the Community Emergency Services and Support Act to identify behavioral and mental health-related emergencies that do not require a law enforcement response. Amends the Illinois State Police Law. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training programs shall include, among other things, community response options including, the community response options under the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Makes other changes.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by changing Section 2605-51 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2605/2605-51)

Sec. 2605-51. Division of the Academy and Training.

(a) The Division of the Academy and Training shall exercise, but not be limited to, the following functions:

(1) Oversee and operate the Illinois State Police Training Academy.

(2) Train and prepare new officers for a career in law enforcement, with innovative, quality training and educational practices.

(3) Offer continuing training and educational programs for Illinois State Police employees.

(4) Oversee the Illinois State Police's recruitment initiatives.

(5) Oversee and operate the Illinois State Police's quartermaster.

(6) Duties assigned to the Illinois State Police in Article 5, Chapter 11 of the Illinois Vehicle Code concerning testing and training officers on the detection of impaired driving.

(7) Duties assigned to the Illinois State Police in Article 108B of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963.

(a-5) Successful completion of the Illinois State Police Academy satisfies the minimum standards pursuant to subsections (a), (b), and (d) of Section 7 of the Illinois Police Training Act and exempts Illinois State Police officers from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board's State Comprehensive Examination and Equivalency Examination. Satisfactory completion shall be evidenced by a commission or certificate issued to the officer.

(b) The Division of the Academy and Training shall exercise the rights, powers, and duties vested in the former Division of State Troopers by Section 17 of the Illinois State Police Act.

(c) Specialized training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall provide the following specialized training:

(1) Crash reconstruction specialist; training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall cooperate with the Division of Forensic Services to provide specialized training in crash reconstruction for Illinois State Police officers. Only Illinois State Police officers who successfully complete the training may be assigned as crash reconstruction specialists.

(2) Death and homicide investigations; training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall provide training in death and homicide investigation for Illinois State Police officers. Only Illinois State Police officers who successfully complete the training may be assigned as lead investigators in death and homicide investigations. Satisfactory completion of the training shall be evidenced by a certificate issued to the officer by the Division of the Academy and Training. The Director shall develop a process for waiver applications for officers whose prior training and experience as homicide investigators may qualify them for a waiver. The Director may issue a waiver, at his or her discretion, based solely on the prior training and experience of an officer as a homicide investigator.

(A) The Division of the Academy and Training shall require all homicide investigator training to include instruction on victim-centered, trauma-informed investigation. This training must be implemented by July 1, 2023.

(B) The Division of the Academy and Training shall cooperate with the Division of Criminal Investigation to develop a model curriculum on victim-centered, trauma-informed investigation. This curriculum must be implemented by July 1, 2023.

(3) Investigation of officer-involved criminal sexual assault; training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall cooperate with the Division of Criminal Investigation to provide a specialized criminal sexual assault and sexual abuse investigation training program for Illinois State Police officers. Only Illinois State Police officers who successfully complete the training may be assigned as investigators in officer-involved criminal sexual assault investigations under Section 10 of the Law Enforcement Criminal Sexual Assault Investigation Act.

(4) Investigation of officer-involved deaths; training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall have a written policy regarding the investigation of officer-involved deaths that involve a law enforcement officer employed by the Illinois State Police as required under Section 1-10 of the Police and Community Relations Improvement Act and shall provide specialized training in that policy for Illinois State Police officers.

(5) Juvenile specialist; training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall provide specialized juvenile training for Illinois State Police officers who meet the definition of "juvenile police officer" as defined under paragraph (17) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Juvenile specialists may complete questioning of juveniles on school grounds as provided under Section 22-88 of the School Code.

(6) Peer support program; training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall cooperate with the Office of the Director to provide peer support advisors with appropriate specialized training in counseling to conduct peer support counseling sessions under Section 10 of the First Responders Suicide Prevention Act.

(7) Police dog training standards; training. All police dogs used by the Illinois State Police for drug enforcement purposes pursuant to the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act shall be trained by programs that meet the certification requirements set by the Director or the Director's designee. Satisfactory completion of the training shall be evidenced by a certificate issued by the Division of the Academy and Training.

(8) Safe2Help; training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall cooperate with the Division of Criminal Investigation to ensure all program personnel or call center staff, or both, are appropriately trained in the areas described in subsection (f) of Section 10 of the Student Confidential Reporting Act. (10)

(c-5) In-service training.

(1) At least once, the Division of the Academy and Training shall develop and require the following in-service training opportunities to be completed by Illinois State Police officers:

(A) Cell phone medical information; training. Training required under this subparagraph (A) shall provide instruction on accessing and using medical information stored in cell phones. The Division may use the program approved under Section 2310-711 of the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois to develop the Division's program.

(B) Autism spectrum disorders; training. Training required under this subparagraph (B) shall instruct Illinois State Police officers on the nature of autism spectrum disorders and in identifying and appropriately responding to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The Illinois State Police shall review the training curriculum and may consult with the Department of Public Health or the Department of Human Services to update the training curriculum as needed.

(2) At least every year, the Division of the Academy and Training shall provide the following in-service training to Illinois State Police officers:

(A) Cultural diversity; training.

(i) Training required under this subparagraph (A) shall provide training and continuing education to Illinois State Police officers concerning cultural diversity, including topics such as sensitivity toward racial and ethnic differences.

(ii) This training and continuing education shall, among other things, emphasize that the primary purpose of enforcement of the Illinois Vehicle Code is safety and equal, uniform, and non-discriminatory enforcement of the law.

(B) Minimum annual in-service training requirements. Minimum annual in-service training includes:

(i) crisis intervention training;

(ii) emergency medical response training and certification;

(iii) firearm qualification training;

(iv) law updates; and

(v) officer wellness and mental health.

(C) Firearms restraining orders; training. Training required under this subparagraph (C) shall provide instruction on the processes used to file a firearms restraining order, to identify situations in which a firearms restraining order is appropriate, and to safely promote the usage of the firearms restraining order in different situations.

(3) At least every 3 years, the Division of the Academy and Training shall provide the following in-service training to Illinois State Police officers:

(A) Arrest and use of force and control tactics; training. Training required under this subparagraph (A) shall provide to Illinois State Police officers training and continuing education concerning knowledge of policies and laws regulating the use of force; shall equip officers with tactics and skills, including de-escalation techniques, to prevent or reduce the need to use force or, when force must be used, to use force that is objectively reasonable, necessary, and proportional under the totality of the circumstances; and shall ensure appropriate supervision and accountability. The training shall consist of at least 30 hours and shall include:

(i) at least 12 hours of hands-on, scenario-based role-playing;

(ii) at least 6 hours of instruction on use of force techniques, including the use of de-escalation techniques to prevent or reduce the need for force whenever safe and feasible;

(iii) specific training on the law concerning stops, searches, and the use of force under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution;

(iv) specific training on officer safety techniques, including cover, concealment, and time; and

(v) at least 6 hours of training focused on high-risk traffic stops.

(B) Minimum triennial in-service training requirements. Minimum triennial in-service training required this under this subparagraph (B) includes training and continuing education to Illinois State Police officers concerning:

(i) constitutional and proper use of law enforcement authority;

(ii) civil and human rights;

(iii) cultural competency, including implicit bias and racial and ethnic sensitivity; and

(iv) procedural justice.

(C) Mandated reporter; training. Training required under this subparagraph (C) must be approved by the Department of Children and Family Services as provided under Section 4 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and includes training on the reporting of child abuse and neglect.

(D) Sexual assault and sexual abuse; training.

(i) Training required under this subparagraph (D) shall include in-service training on sexual assault and sexual abuse response and training on report writing requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) recognizing the symptoms of trauma;

(b) understanding the role trauma has played in a victim's life;

(c) responding to the needs and concerns of a victim;

(d) delivering services in a compassionate, sensitive, and nonjudgmental manner;

(e) interviewing techniques in accordance with the curriculum standards in subdivision (iii) of this subparagraph;

(f) understanding cultural perceptions and common myths of sexual assault and sexual abuse; and

(g) report writing techniques in accordance with the curriculum standards in subdivision (iii) of this subparagraph and the Sexual Assault Incident Procedure Act.

(ii) Instructors providing training under this subparagraph (D) (G) shall have successfully completed training on evidence-based, trauma-informed, victim-centered responses to cases of sexual assault and sexual abuse and shall have experience responding to sexual assault and sexual abuse cases.

(iii) The Illinois State Police shall adopt rules, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, to determine the specific training requirements. The rules adopted by the Illinois State Police shall include, at a minimum, both of the following:

(a) evidence-based curriculum standards for report writing and immediate response to sexual assault and sexual abuse, including trauma-informed, victim-centered interview techniques, which have been demonstrated to minimize retraumatization, for all Illinois State Police officers; and

(b) evidence-based curriculum standards for trauma-informed, victim-centered investigation and interviewing techniques, which have been demonstrated to minimize retraumatization, for cases of sexual assault and sexual abuse for all Illinois State Police officers who conduct sexual assault and sexual abuse investigations.

(4) At least every 5 years, the Division of the Academy and Training shall provide the following in-service training to Illinois State Police officers:

(A) Psychology of domestic violence; training. Training under this subparagraph (A) shall provide aid in understanding the actions of domestic violence victims and abusers and the actions needed to prevent further victimization of those who have been abused. The training shall focus specifically on looking beyond physical evidence to the psychology of domestic violence situations by studying the dynamics of the aggressor-victim relationship, separately evaluating claims where both parties claim to be the victim, and assessing the long-term effects of domestic violence situations.

(c-10) Cadet training. The Division of the Academy and Training shall provide the following basic training to Illinois State Police cadets or ensure the following training was completed prior to an Illinois State Police cadet becoming an Illinois State Police officer:

(1) Animal fighting awareness and humane response; training. Training required under this paragraph (1) shall include a training program in animal fighting awareness and humane response for Illinois State Police cadets. The purpose of that training shall be for Illinois State Police officers to identify animal fighting operations and respond appropriately. Training under this paragraph (1) shall include a humane response component that provides guidelines for appropriate law enforcement response to animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect, or similar condition, as well as training on canine behavior and nonlethal ways to subdue a canine.

(2) Arrest and use of force and control tactics and officer safety; training. Training required under this paragraph (2) must include, without limitation, training on officer safety techniques, such as cover, concealment, and time.

(3) Arrest of a parent or an immediate family member; training. Training required under this paragraph (3) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets on trauma-informed responses designed to ensure the physical safety and well-being of a child of an arrested parent or immediate family member, which must include, without limitation: (A) training in understanding the trauma experienced by the child while maintaining the integrity of the arrest and safety of officers, suspects, and other involved individuals; (B) training in de-escalation tactics that would include the use of force when reasonably necessary; and (C) training in understanding and inquiring whether a child will require supervision and care.

(4) Autism and other developmental or physical disabilities; training. Training required under this paragraph (4) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets on identifying and interacting with persons with autism and other developmental or physical disabilities, reducing barriers to reporting crimes against persons with autism, and addressing the unique challenges presented by cases involving victims or witnesses with autism and other developmental disabilities.

(5) Cell phone medical information; training. Training required under this paragraph (5) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets to access and use medical information stored in cell phones. The Division of the Academy and Training may use the program approved under Section 2310-711 of the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois to develop the training required under this paragraph (5).

(6) Compliance with the Health Care Violence Prevention Act; training. Training required under this paragraph (6) shall provide an appropriate level of training for Illinois State Police cadets concerning the Health Care Violence Prevention Act.

(7) Constitutional law; training. Training required under this paragraph (7) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets on constitutional and proper use of law enforcement authority, procedural justice, civil rights, human rights, and cultural competency, including implicit bias and racial and ethnic sensitivity.

(8) Courtroom testimony; training.

(9) Crime victims; training. Training required under this paragraph (9) shall provide instruction in techniques designed to promote effective communication at the initial contact with crime victims and to comprehensively explain to victims and witnesses their rights under the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act and the Crime Victims Compensation Act.

(10) Criminal law; training.

(11) Crisis intervention team and mental health awareness; training. Training required under this paragraph (11) shall include a specialty certification course of at least 40 hours, addressing specialized policing responses to people with mental illnesses. The Division of the Academy and Training shall conduct Crisis Intervention Team training programs that train officers to identify signs and symptoms of mental illness, to de-escalate situations involving individuals who appear to have a mental illness and connect individuals in crisis to treatment. The training shall also include an overview of the Community Emergency Services and Support Act.

(12) Cultural diversity; training.

(A) The training required under this paragraph (12) shall provide training to Illinois State Police cadets concerning cultural competency and cultural diversity, including sensitivity toward racial and ethnic differences.

(B) This training shall include, but not be limited to, an emphasis on the fact that the primary purpose of enforcement of the Illinois Vehicle Code is safety, equal, and uniform and non-discriminatory enforcement under the law.

(13) De-escalation and use of force; training. Training required under this paragraph (13) must consist of at least 6 hours of instruction on use of force techniques, including the use of de-escalation techniques to prevent or reduce the need for force whenever safe and feasible.

(14) Domestic violence; training. Training required under this paragraph (14) shall provide aid in understanding the actions of domestic violence victims and abusers and to prevent further victimization of those who have been abused, focusing specifically on looking beyond the physical evidence to the psychology of domestic violence situations, such as the dynamics of the aggressor-victim relationship, separately evaluating claims where both parties claim to be the victim, and long-term effects.

(15) Effective recognition of and responses to stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress; training. Training required under this paragraph (15) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets to recognize and respond to stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress experienced by law enforcement officers. The training must be consistent with Section 25 of the Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act in a peer setting, including recognizing signs and symptoms of work-related cumulative stress, issues that may lead to suicide, and solutions for intervention with peer support resources.

(16) Elder abuse; training. Training required under this paragraph (16) shall teach Illinois State Police cadets to recognize neglect and financial exploitation against the elderly and adults with disabilities. The training shall also teach Illinois State Police cadets to recognize self-neglect by the elderly and adults with disabilities. In this subparagraph, "adults with disabilities" has the meaning given to that term in the Adult Protective Services Act.

(17) Electronic control devices; training. Training required under this paragraph (17) shall include training in the use of electronic control devices, including the psychological and physiological effects of the use of those devices on humans.

(18) Epinephrine auto-injector administration; training. Training required under this paragraph (18) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis. The training must comply with subsection (c) of Section 40 of the Illinois State Police Act.

(19) Evidence collection; training. Training required under this paragraph (19) must include proper procedures for collecting, handling, and preserving evidence, and rules of law.

(20) Firearms restraining orders; training. Providing instruction on the process used to file a firearms restraining order and how to identify situations in which a firearms restraining order is appropriate and how to safely promote the usage of the firearms restraining order in different situations.

(21) Firearms; training. Successful completion of a 40-hour course of training in use of a suitable type firearm shall be a condition precedent to the possession and use of that respective firearm in connection with the officer's official duties. To satisfy the requirements of this Act, the training must include the following:

(A) Instruction in the dangers of misuse of the firearm, safety rules, and care and cleaning of the firearm.

(B) Practice firing on a range and qualification with the firearm in accordance with the standards established by the Board.

(C) Instruction in the legal use of firearms under the Criminal Code of 2012 and relevant court decisions.

(D) A forceful presentation of the ethical and moral considerations assumed by any person who uses a firearm.

(22) First-aid; training. First-aid training must include cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(23) Hate crimes; training. Training required under this paragraph (23) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets in identifying, responding to, and reporting all hate crimes.

(24) High-risk traffic stops; training. Training required under this paragraph (24) must consist of at least 6 hours of training focused on high-risk traffic stops.

(25) High-speed vehicle chase; training. Training required under this paragraph (25) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets on the hazards of high-speed police vehicle chases with an emphasis on alternatives to the high-speed vehicle chase.

(26) Human relations; training.

(27) Human trafficking; training. Training required under this paragraph (27) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets in the detection and investigation of all forms of human trafficking, including, but not limited to, involuntary servitude under subsection (b) of Section 10-9 of the Criminal Code of 2012, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor under subsection (c) of Section 10-9 of the Criminal Code of 2012, and trafficking in persons under subsection (d) of Section 10-9 of the Criminal Code of 2012. This program shall be made available to all cadets and Illinois State Police officers.

(28) Juvenile law; training. Training required under this paragraph (28) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets on juvenile law and the proper processing and handling of juvenile offenders.

(29) Mandated reporter; training. Training required under this paragraph (29) must be approved by the Department of Children and Family Services as provided under Section 4 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and includes training on the reporting of child abuse and neglect.

(30) Mental conditions and crises, training. Training required under this paragraph (30) shall include, without limitation, (A) recognizing the disease of addiction, (B) recognizing situations which require immediate assistance, and (C) responding in a manner that safeguards and provides assistance to individuals in need of mental treatment.

(31) Officer wellness and suicide prevention; training. The training required under this paragraph (31) shall include instruction on job-related stress management techniques, skills for recognizing signs and symptoms of work-related cumulative stress, recognition of other issues that may lead to officer suicide, solutions for intervention, and a presentation on available peer support resources.

(32) Officer-worn body cameras; training.

(A) As used in this paragraph (32), "officer-worn body camera" has the meaning given to that term in Article 10 of the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act.

(B) The training required under this paragraph (32) shall provide training in the use of officer-worn body cameras to cadets who will use officer-worn body cameras.

(33) Opioid antagonists; training.

(A) As used in this paragraph (33), "opioid antagonist" has the meaning given to that term in subsection (e) of Section 5-23 of the Substance Use Disorder Act.

(B) Training required under this paragraph (33) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets to administer opioid antagonists.

(34) Persons arrested while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; training. Training required under this paragraph (34) shall comply with Illinois State Police policy adopted under Section 2605-54. The training shall be consistent with the Substance Use Disorder Act and shall provide guidance for the arrest of persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs, proper medical attention if warranted, and care and release of those persons from custody. The training shall provide guidance concerning the release of persons arrested under the influence of alcohol or drugs who are under the age of 21 years of age, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, instructions requiring the arresting officer to make a reasonable attempt to contact a responsible adult who is willing to take custody of the person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

(35) Physical training.

(36) Post-traumatic stress disorder; training. Training required under this paragraph (36) shall equip Illinois State Police cadets to identify the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and to respond appropriately to individuals exhibiting those symptoms.

(37) Report writing; training. Training required under this paragraph (37) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets on writing reports and proper documentation of statements.

(38) Scenario training. At least 12 hours of hands-on, scenario-based role-playing.

(39) Search and seizure; training. Training required under this paragraph (39) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets on search and seizure, including temporary questioning.

(40) Sexual assault and sexual abuse; training. Training required under this paragraph (40) shall instruct Illinois State Police cadets on sexual assault and sexual abuse response and report writing training requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:

(A) recognizing the symptoms of trauma;

(B) understanding the role trauma has played in a victim's life;

(C) responding to the needs and concerns of a victim;

(D) delivering services in a compassionate, sensitive, and nonjudgmental manner;

(E) interviewing techniques in accordance with the curriculum standards in subsection (f) of Section 10.19 of the Illinois Police Training Act;

(F) understanding cultural perceptions and common myths of sexual assault and sexual abuse; and

(G) report-writing techniques in accordance with the curriculum standards in subsection (f) of Section 10.19 of the Illinois Police Training Act and the Sexual Assault Incident Procedure Act.

(41) Traffic control and crash investigation; training.

(d) The Division of the Academy and Training shall administer and conduct a program consistent with 18 U.S.C. 926B and 926C for qualified active and retired Illinois State Police officers.

(Source: P.A. 103-34, eff. 1-1-24; 103-939, eff. 1-1-25; 103-949, eff. 1-1-25; 104-24, eff. 1-1-26; 104-417, eff. 8-15-25; revised 1-29-26.)

Section 10. The Illinois Police Training Act is amended by changing Section 10.17 as follows:

(50 ILCS 705/10.17)

Sec. 10.17. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training; mental health awareness training; certified therapy dog team training and certification.

(a) The Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall develop and approve a standard curriculum for certified training programs in crisis intervention, including a specialty certification course of at least 40 hours, addressing specialized policing responses to people with mental illnesses. The Board shall conduct Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training programs that train officers to identify signs and symptoms of mental illness, to de-escalate situations involving individuals who appear to have a mental illness, and connect that person in crisis to treatment. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training programs shall be a collaboration between law enforcement professionals, mental health providers, families, and consumer advocates and must minimally include the following components: (1) basic information about mental illnesses and how to recognize them; (2) information about mental health laws and resources; (3) learning from family members of individuals with mental illness and their experiences; and (4) verbal de-escalation training and role-plays; and (5) community response options including, the community response options under the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Officers who have successfully completed this program shall be issued a certificate attesting to their attendance of a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program.

(b) The Board shall create an introductory course incorporating adult learning models that provides law enforcement officers with an awareness of mental health issues including a history of the mental health system, types of mental health illness including signs and symptoms of mental illness and common treatments and medications, and the potential interactions law enforcement officers may have on a regular basis with these individuals, their families, and service providers including de-escalating a potential crisis situation. This course, in addition to other traditional learning settings, may be made available in an electronic format.

(c) The Board shall develop a course and certification program for certified therapy dog teams consisting of officers employing the use of therapy dogs in relation to crisis and emergency response. This program shall aim to ensure that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers and therapy dog teams are available in various regions throughout the State to be dispatched in the event of a crisis.

(d) The Board may include model policies regarding community response procedures on its website and may distribute educational and training materials created in consultation with the Department of Human Services to law enforcement agencies throughout the State.

The amendatory changes to this Section made by Public Act 101-652 shall take effect January 1, 2022.

(Source: P.A. 104-106, eff. 1-1-26.)

Section 15. The Emergency Telephone System Act is amended by changing Section 2 and by adding Sections 7.2 and 7.3 as follows:

(50 ILCS 750/2) (from Ch. 134, par. 32)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on December 31, 2027)

Sec. 2. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

"9-1-1 network" means the network used for the delivery of 9-1-1 calls and messages over dedicated and redundant facilities to a primary or backup 9-1-1 PSAP that meets the appropriate grade of service.

"9-1-1 system" means the geographic area that has been granted an order of authority by the Commission or the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator to use "9-1-1" as the primary emergency telephone number, including, but not limited to, the network, software applications, databases, CPE components and operational and management procedures required to provide 9-1-1 service.

"9-1-1 Authority" means an Emergency Telephone System Board or Joint Emergency Telephone System Board that provides for the management and operation of a 9-1-1 system. "9-1-1 Authority" includes the Illinois State Police only to the extent it provides 9-1-1 services under this Act.

"9-1-1 System Manager" means the manager, director, administrator, or coordinator who at the direction of his or her Emergency Telephone System Board is responsible for the implementation and execution of the order of authority issued by the Commission or the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator through the programs, policies, procedures, and daily operations of the 9-1-1 system consistent with the provisions of this Act.

"Administrator" means the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator.

"Advanced service" means any telecommunications service with or without dynamic bandwidth allocation, including, but not limited to, ISDN Primary Rate Interface (PRI), that, through the use of a DS-1, T-1, or other un-channelized or multi-channel transmission facility, is capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency.

"Aggregator" means an entity that ingresses 9-1-1 calls of multiple traffic types or 9-1-1 calls from multiple originating service providers and combines them on a trunk group or groups (or equivalent egress connection arrangement to a 9-1-1 system provider's NG9-1-1 network or system), and that uses the routing information provided in the received call setup signaling to select the appropriate trunk group and proceeds to signal call setup toward the 9-1-1 system provider. "Aggregator" includes an originating service provider that provides aggregation functions for its own 9-1-1 calls. "Aggregator" also includes an aggregation network or an aggregation entity that provides aggregator services for other types of system providers, such as cloud-based services or enterprise networks as its client.

"ALI" or "automatic location identification" means the automatic display at the public safety answering point of the address or location of the caller's telephone and supplementary emergency services information of the location from which a call originates.

"ANI" or "automatic number identification" means the automatic display of the 10-digit telephone number associated with the caller's telephone number.

"Automatic alarm" and "automatic alerting device" mean any device that will access the 9-1-1 system for emergency services upon activation and does not provide for two-way communication.

"Answering point" means a PSAP, SAP, Backup PSAP, Unmanned Backup Answering Point, or VAP.

"Authorized entity" means an answering point or participating agency other than a decommissioned PSAP.

"Backup PSAP" means an answering point that meets the appropriate standards of service and serves as an alternate to the PSAP operating independently from the PSAP at a different location that has the capability to direct dispatch for the PSAP or otherwise transfer emergency calls directly to an authorized entity. A backup PSAP may accept overflow calls from the PSAP or be activated if the primary PSAP is disabled.

"Board" means an Emergency Telephone System Board or a Joint Emergency Telephone System Board created pursuant to Section 15.4.

"Bylaws" means a set of regulations that ensure consistent and agreed upon voting and decision-making procedures.

"Call back number" means a number used by a PSAP to recontact a location from which a 9-1-1 call was placed, regardless of whether that number is a direct-dial number for a station used to originate a 9-1-1 call.

"Carrier" includes a telecommunications carrier and a wireless carrier.

"Commission" means the Illinois Commerce Commission.

"Computer aided dispatch" or "CAD" means a computer-based system that aids public safety telecommunicators or telecommunicator supervisors by automating selected dispatching and recordkeeping activities.

"Direct dispatch" means a 9-1-1 service wherein upon receipt of an emergency call, a public safety telecommunicator or telecommunicator supervisors transmits, without delay, transfer, relay, or referral, all relevant available information to the appropriate public safety personnel or emergency responders.

"Dispatchable location" means a location delivered to the PSAP with a 9-1-1 call that consists of the validated street address of the calling party, plus additional information, such as a suite or apartment identifier, uncertainty data, or similar information, necessary to accurately identify the location of the calling party.

"Decommissioned" means the revocation of a PSAPs authority to handle 9-1-1 calls as an answering point within the 9-1-1 network.

"Diversion" means the obligation or expenditure of a 9-1-1 fee or charge for a purpose or function other than the purposes and functions designated by the Federal Communications Commission as acceptable under 47 CFR 9.23. "Diversion" includes distribution of a 9-1-1 fee or charge to a political subdivision that obligates or expends such fees for a purpose or function other than those designated as acceptable by the Federal Communications Commission under 47 CFR 9.23.

"DS-1, T-1, or similar un-channelized or multi-channel transmission facility" means a facility that can transmit and receive a bit rate of at least 1.544 megabits per second (Mbps).

"Dynamic bandwidth allocation" means the ability of the facility or customer to drop and add channels, or adjust bandwidth, when needed in real time for voice or data purposes.

"Emergency call" means any type of request for emergency assistance through a 9-1-1 network either to the digits 9-1-1 or the emergency 24/7 10-digit telephone number for all answering points. An emergency call is not limited to a voice telephone call. It could be a two-way video call, an interactive text, Teletypewriter (TTY), an SMS, an Instant Message, or any new mechanism for communications available in the future. An emergency call occurs when the request for emergency assistance is received by a public safety telecommunicator.

"Emergency Telephone System Board" or "ETSB" means (i) a board appointed by the corporate authorities of any county or municipality to provide for the management and operation of a 9-1-1 system within the scope of the duties and powers prescribed by this Act or (ii) a joint Emergency Telephone System Board.

"EMS personnel" has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.5 of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act.

"First responder" means someone designated by a public safety agency who is charged with responding to emergency service requests, including emergency communications professionals, public safety telecommunicators, public safety telecommunicator supervisors, and police, fire, and EMS personnel who operate in the field.

"Grade of service" means the NENA Baseline NG9-1-1 as set forth in the NENA i3 Solution prevailing national standard.

"Hearing-impaired individual" means a person with a permanent hearing loss who can regularly and routinely communicate by telephone only through the aid of devices which can send and receive written messages over the telephone network.

"Hosted supplemental 9-1-1 service" means a database service that:

(1) electronically provides information for 9-1-1 call takers when a call is placed to 9-1-1;

(2) allows telephone subscribers to provide information to 9-1-1 to be used in emergency scenarios;

(3) collects a variety of formatted data relevant to 9-1-1 and first responder needs, which may include, but is not limited to, photographs of the telephone subscribers, physical descriptions, medical information, household data, and emergency contacts;

(4) allows for information to be entered by telephone subscribers through a secure website where they can elect to provide as little or as much information as they choose;

(5) automatically displays data provided by telephone subscribers to 9-1-1 call takers for all types of telephones when a call is placed to 9-1-1 from a registered and confirmed phone number;

(6) (blank);

(7) (blank);

(8) (blank);

(9) supports the delivery of telephone subscriber information through a secure internet connection to all emergency telephone system boards;

(10) works across all 9-1-1 call-taking equipment and allows for the easy transfer of information into a computer aided dispatch system; and

(11) may be used to collect information pursuant to an Illinois Premise Alert Program as defined in the Illinois Premise Alert Program (PAP) Act.

"Interconnected voice service" means a telecommunications service that:

(1) allows users to make and receive calls to and from the public switched telephone network or other phone lines, including both traditional landline and mobile services;

(2) enables users to make or receive voice calls to or from telephone numbers assigned to the public switched telephone network, including calls to and from emergency services;

(3) requires a connection to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) either directly or through other interconnected services;

(4) supports standard telephone functions, such as making and receiving calls, voicemail, and the ability to connect with other telephone networks;

(5) complies with various FCC regulations to ensure user safety, including the requirement to support 9-1-1 services, allowing emergency responders to locate the caller; and

(6) can be provided over various technologies, including traditional telephone lines, broadband Internet connections via VoIP, and mobile networks.

"Interconnected voice service" includes voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services that are integrated into the public telephone system and the availability of other essential services like number portability and accessibility for people with disabilities.

"Interconnected voice over Internet protocol provider" or "Interconnected VoIP provider" has the meaning given to that term under Section 13-235 of the Public Utilities Act.

"Joint Emergency Telephone System Board" or "Joint ETSB" means a Joint Emergency Telephone System Board established by intergovernmental agreement of two or more municipalities or counties, or a combination thereof, to provide for the management and operation of a 9-1-1 system.

"Key telephone system" means a type of MLTS designed to provide shared access to several outside lines through buttons or keys typically offering identified access lines with direct line appearance or termination on a given telephone set.

"Local public agency" means any unit of local government or special purpose district located in whole or in part within this State that provides or has authority to provide firefighting, police, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services.

"Mechanical dialer" means any device that accesses the 9-1-1 system without human intervention and does not provide for two-way communication.

"Master Street Address Guide" or "MSAG" is a database of street names and house ranges within their associated communities defining emergency service zones (ESZs) and their associated emergency service numbers (ESNs) to enable proper routing of 9-1-1 calls.

"Mobile telephone number" or "MTN" means the telephone number assigned to a wireless telephone at the time of initial activation.

"Multi-line telephone system" or "MLTS" means a system composed of common control units, telephone sets, control hardware and software, and adjunct systems, including network and premises-based systems, such as Centrex and VoIP, as well as PBX, hybrid, and key telephone systems (as classified by the Federal Communications Commission under 47 CFR Part 68, which includes systems owned or leased by governmental agencies, nonprofit entities, and for-profit businesses. "Multi-line telephone system" or "MLTS" includes the full range of networked communication systems that serve enterprises, including IP-based and cloud-based systems. "Multi-line telephone system" or "MLTS" also includes outbound-only MLTS that allow users to make 9-1-1 calls but do not enable PSAPs to place a return call directly to the 9-1-1 caller.

"Network connections" means the number of voice grade communications channels directly between a subscriber and a telecommunications carrier's public switched network, without the intervention of any other telecommunications carrier's switched network, which would be required to carry the subscriber's inter-premises traffic and which connection either (1) is capable of providing access through the public switched network to a 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System, if one exists, or (2) if no system exists at the time a surcharge is imposed under Section 15.3 or 20, that would be capable of providing access through the public switched network to the local 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System if one existed. Where multiple voice grade communications channels are connected to a telecommunications carrier's public switched network through a private branch exchange (PBX) service, there shall be determined to be one network connection for each trunk line capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises traffic to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency. Where multiple voice grade communications channels are connected to an OSP's public switched network through Centrex type service, the number of network connections shall be equal to the number of PBX trunk equivalents for the subscriber's service or other multiple voice grade communication channels facility, as determined by reference to any generally applicable exchange access service tariff filed by the subscriber's telecommunications carrier with the Commission.

"Network costs" means those recurring costs that directly relate to the operation of the 9-1-1 network as determined by the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator with the advice of the Statewide 9-1-1 Advisory Board, which may include, but need not be limited to, some or all of the following: costs for interoffice trunks, selective routing charges, transfer lines and toll charges for 9-1-1 services, Automatic Location Information (ALI) database charges, independent local exchange carrier charges and non-system provider charges, carrier charges for third party database for on-site customer premises equipment, backup back-up PSAP trunks for non-system providers, periodic database updates as provided by carrier (also known as "ALI data dump"), regional ALI storage charges, circuits for call delivery (fiber or circuit connection), NG9-1-1 costs, and all associated fees, taxes, and surcharges on each invoice. "Network costs" shall not include radio circuits or toll charges that are other than for 9-1-1 services.

"Next generation 9-1-1" or "NG9-1-1" means a secure Internet Protocol-based (IP-based) open-standards system comprised of hardware, software, data, and operational policies and procedures that:

(A) provides standardized interfaces from emergency call and message services to support emergency communications;

(B) processes all types of emergency calls, including voice, text, data, and multimedia information;

(C) acquires and integrates additional emergency call data useful to call routing and handling;

(D) delivers the emergency calls, messages, and data to the appropriate public safety answering point and other appropriate emergency entities based on the location of the caller;

(E) supports data, video, and other communications needs for coordinated incident response and management; and

(F) interoperates with services and networks used by first responders to facilitate emergency response.

"Next generation 9-1-1 costs" or "NG9-1-1 costs" means those recurring costs that directly relate to the next generation 9-1-1 service as determined by the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator with the advice of the Statewide 9-1-1 Advisory Board, which may include, but need not be limited to, costs for NENA i3 Core Components (Border Control Function (BCF), Emergency Call Routing Function (ECRF), Location Validation Function (LVF), Emergency Services Routing Proxy (ESRP), Policy Store/Policy Routing Functions (PSPRF), Location Information Servers (LIS)), Statewide ESInet, and software external to the PSAP (data collection, identity management, aggregation, and GIS functionality).

"Next generation 9-1-1 core services" or "NGCS" means a set of services needed to process a 9-1-1 call on an ESInet. "Next generation 9-1-1 core services" or "NGCS" includes, but is not limited to, the ESRP, ECRF, LVF, BCF, bridge, policy store, logging services, and typical IP services, including DNS and DHCP. "Next generation 9-1-1 core services" or "NGCS" does not include the network on which the services operate.

"Originating service provider" or "OSP" means the entity that provides services to end users that may be used to originate voice or nonvoice 9-1-1 requests for assistance and who would interconnect, in any of various fashions, to the 9-1-1 system provider for purposes of delivering 9-1-1 traffic to the public safety answering points.

"Primary place of use" or "PPU" means the residential street address or the primary business street address where a customer primarily uses the mobile telecommunications service. "Primary place of use" or "PPU" does not include a post office box address.

"Public agency" means the State, and any unit of local government or special purpose district located in whole or in part within this State, that provides or has authority to provide firefighting, police, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services.

"Public safety agency" means a functional division of a public agency that provides firefighting, police, medical, or other emergency services to respond to and manage emergency incidents. For the purpose of providing wireless service to users of 9-1-1 emergency services, as expressly provided for in this Act, the Illinois State Police may be considered a public safety agency.

"Public safety answering point" or "PSAP" means the primary answering location of an emergency call that meets the appropriate standards of service and is responsible for receiving and processing those calls and events according to a specified operational policy.

"PSAP representative" means the manager or supervisor of a public safety answering point Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) who oversees the daily operational functions and is responsible for the overall management and administration of the PSAP.

"Public safety telecommunicator" means any person employed in a full-time or part-time capacity at an answering point whose duties or responsibilities include answering, receiving, or transferring an emergency call for dispatch to the appropriate emergency responder.

"Public safety telecommunicator supervisor" means any person employed in a full-time or part-time capacity at an answering point or by a 9-1-1 Authority, whose primary duties or responsibilities are to direct, administer, or manage any public safety telecommunicator and whose responsibilities include answering, receiving, or transferring an emergency call for dispatch to the appropriate emergency responders.

"Referral" means a 9-1-1 service in which the public safety telecommunicator provides the calling party with the telephone number of the appropriate public safety agency or other provider of emergency services.

"Regular service" means any telecommunications service, other than advanced service, that is capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency.

"Relay" means a 9-1-1 service in which the public safety telecommunicator takes the pertinent information from a caller and relays that information to the appropriate public safety agency or other provider of emergency services.

"Remit period" means the billing period, one month in duration, for which a wireless carrier remits a surcharge and provides subscriber information by zip code to the Illinois State Police, in accordance with Section 20 of this Act.

"Secondary Answering Point" or "SAP" means a location, other than a PSAP, that is able to receive the voice, data, and call back number of NG9-1-1 emergency calls transferred from a PSAP and completes the call taking process by dispatching police, medical, fire, or other emergency responders.

"Shared telecommunications services" means the provision of telecommunications and information management services and equipment within a user group located in discrete private premises in building complexes, campuses, or high-rise buildings by a commercial shared services provider or by a user association, through privately owned customer premises equipment and associated data processing and information management services. The term "shared telecommunications services" includes the provisioning of connections to the facilities of a local exchange carrier or an interexchange carrier.

"Statewide behavioral health crisis system" means the core elements or pillars of the crisis system and includes Illinois 9-8-8 Lifeline Contact Centers, community crisis response services, including mobile crisis teams, and crisis receiving and stabilization facilities and programs, including living room programs.

"Subscriber" means an individual or entity to whom a wireless, wireline, or VoIP service account or number has been assigned by a carrier, other than an account or number associated with prepaid wireless telecommunication service.

"System" means the communications equipment, related software applications, and databases required to produce a response by the appropriate emergency public safety agency or other provider of emergency services as a result of an emergency call being placed to 9-1-1.

"System provider" means the contracted entity providing 9-1-1 network and database services.

"Telecommunications carrier" means those entities included within the definition specified in Section 13-202 of the Public Utilities Act, and includes those carriers acting as resellers of telecommunications services. "Telecommunications carrier" includes telephone systems operating as mutual concerns. "Telecommunications carrier" does not include a wireless carrier.

"Telecommunications technology" means equipment that can send and receive written messages over the telephone network.

"Transfer" means a 9-1-1 service in which the public safety telecommunicator, who receives an emergency call, transmits, redirects, or conferences that call to the appropriate public safety agency or other provider of emergency services. "Transfer" includes calls transferred, within the statewide NG9-1-1 system and to surrounding states NG9-1-1 Systems using a SIP URI. "Transfer" shall not include (1) a relay or referral of the information without transferring the caller or (2) calls transferred to a 10-digit number where a SIP URI is available.

"Transmitting messages" shall have the meaning given to that term under Section 8-11-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

"Trunk line" means a transmission path, or group of transmission paths, connecting a subscriber's PBX to a telecommunications carrier's public switched network. In the case of regular service, each voice grade communications channel or equivalent amount of bandwidth capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency shall be considered a trunk line, even if it is bundled with other channels or additional bandwidth. In the case of advanced service, each DS-1, T-1, or other un-channelized or multi-channel transmission facility that is capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency shall be considered a single trunk line, even if it contains multiple voice grade communications channels or otherwise supports 2 or more voice grade calls at a time; provided, however, that each additional increment of up to 24 voice grade channels of transmission capacity that is capable of transporting either the subscriber's inter-premises voice telecommunications services to the public switched network or the subscriber's 9-1-1 calls to the public agency shall be considered an additional trunk line.

"Unmanned backup answering point" means an answering point that serves as an alternate to the PSAP at an alternate location and is typically unmanned but can be activated if the primary PSAP is disabled.

"Virtual answering point" or "VAP" means a temporary or nonpermanent location that is capable of receiving an emergency call, contains a fully functional worksite that is not bound to a specific location, but rather is portable and scalable, connecting public safety telecommunicators to the work process, and is capable of completing the call dispatching process.

"Voice grade Voice-grade call" or "VGC" means a telecommunications service that allows for the transmission of voice signals with sufficient quality for effective communication.

"Voice-impaired individual" means a person with a permanent speech disability which precludes oral communication, who can regularly and routinely communicate by telephone only through the aid of devices which can send and receive written messages over the telephone network.

"Wireless" means the delivery of a wireless 9-1-1 call in accordance with applicable Federal Communications Commission regulations.

"Wireless carrier" means a provider of two-way cellular, broadband PCS, geographic area 800 MHZ and 900 MHZ Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS), Wireless Communications Service (WCS), or other Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS), as defined by the Federal Communications Commission, offering radio communications that may provide fixed, mobile, radio location, or satellite communication services to individuals or businesses within its assigned spectrum block and geographical area or that offers real-time, two-way voice service that is interconnected with the public switched network, including a reseller of such service.

(Source: P.A. 103-366, eff. 1-1-24; 104-204, eff. 8-15-25; revised 12-12-25.)

(50 ILCS 750/7.2 new)

Sec. 7.2. Required compliance with the Community Emergency Services and Support Act Protocols. Beginning July 1, 2027, all public safety answering points shall comply with the protocols established under the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. The public safety answering points shall use the protocols and processes to identify behavioral and mental health-related emergencies that do not require a law enforcement response. When appropriate, a public safety answering point shall transfer calls that do not require a law enforcement response to the statewide behavioral health crisis system in accordance with the protocols established under the Community Emergency Services and Support Act

(50 ILCS 750/7.3 new)

Sec. 7.3. Monitoring PSAP compliance with the Community Emergency Services and Support Act.

(a) The Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator shall ensure that PSAPs comply with the requirements of Section 7.2. To ensure that PSAPs comply with the requirements of Section 7.2, the Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator shall monitor every PSAP.

(b) The Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator shall consult, as appropriate, with the Illinois Department of Human Services to support PSAP compliance with the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. In carrying out this responsibility, the Illinois Department of Human Services shall provide consultation, resources, collaboration, and guidance to the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator, as appropriate, to support PSAP compliance with the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. The guidance shall include required data elements, reporting formats, and a mechanism for reporting provider service data to support monitoring, verification, and quality improvement. The Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator shall adopt rules to implement this Section and ensure compliance with Section 7.2.

Section 20. The Community Emergency Services and Support Act is amended by changing Sections 5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 65, and 70 and by adding Sections 75 and 80 as follows:

(50 ILCS 754/5)

Sec. 5. Findings. The General Assembly recognizes that the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health is preparing to provide mobile mental and behavioral health services to all Illinoisans as part of the federally mandated adoption of the 9-8-8 phone number. The General Assembly also recognizes that many cities and some states have successfully established mobile emergency mental and behavioral health services as part of their emergency response system to support people who need such support and do not present a threat of physical violence to the mobile mental health relief providers. In light of that experience, the General Assembly finds that in order to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, it is necessary and in the public interest to provide emergency response, with or without medical transportation, to individuals requiring mental health or behavioral health services in a manner that is substantially equivalent to the response already provided to individuals who require emergency physical health care.

The General Assembly also recognizes the history of vulnerable populations being subject to unwarranted involuntary commitment or other human rights violations instead of receiving necessary care during acute crises which may contribute to an understandable apprehension of behavioral health services among individuals who have historically been subject to these practices. The General Assembly intends for the Mobile Mental Health Relief Providers regulated by this Act to assist with crises that do not rise to the level of involuntary commitment. However, the General Assembly also recognizes that Mobile Mental Health Relief Providers may, during the course of assisting with a crisis, encounter individuals who present an imminent threat of injury to themselves or others unless they receive assistance through the involuntary commitment process. This Act intends to balance concerns about misuse of the involuntary commitment process with the need for emergency care for individuals whose crisis presents an imminent threat of injury.

(Source: P.A. 103-105, eff. 6-27-23; 104-155, eff. 8-1-25.)

(50 ILCS 754/15)

Sec. 15. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Chemical restraint" means any drug used for discipline or convenience and not required to treat medical symptoms.

"Community services" and "community-based mental or behavioral health services" include both public and private settings.

"Department" means the Department of Human Services.

"Division of Mental Health" means the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services.

"Emergency" means an emergent circumstance caused by a health condition, regardless of whether it is perceived as physical, mental, or behavioral in nature, for which an individual may require prompt care, support, or assessment at the individual's location.

"Mental or behavioral health" means any health condition involving changes in thinking, emotion, or behavior, and that the medical community treats as distinct from physical health care.

"Mobile mental health relief provider" means a mobile crisis response team or a mental health professional, as defined by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, who engages with individuals person engaging with a member of the public to provide the mobile mental and behavioral health services service established in conjunction with the Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health establishing the 9-8-8 emergency number. "Mobile mental health relief provider" may include paramedics does not include a Paramedic (EMT-P), emergency medical technicians (EMTs), other medical personnel; individuals with lived experience; or community responders who are trained to provide mobile behavioral health crisis services or EMT, as those terms are defined in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act, unless that responding agency has agreed to provide a specialized response in accordance with the Division of Mental Health's services offered through its 9-8-8 number and has met all the requirements to offer that service through that system.

"Physical health" means a health condition that the medical community treats as distinct from mental or behavioral health care.

"Physical restraint" means any manual method or physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment attached or adjacent to an individual's body that the individual cannot easily remove and restricts freedom of movement or normal access to one's body. "Physical restraint" does not include a seat belt if it is used during transportation of an individual and the individual has access to the mechanism that releases the seat belt.

"Public safety answering point" or "PSAP" means the primary answering location of an emergency call that meets the appropriate standards of service and is responsible for receiving and processing those calls and events according to a specified operational policy.

"Treatment relationship" means an active association with a mental or behavioral care provider able to respond in an appropriate amount of time to requests for care.

(Source: P.A. 103-105, eff. 6-27-23; 104-155, eff. 8-1-25.)

(50 ILCS 754/20)

Sec. 20. Coordination with the Department Division of Mental Health. Each 9-1-1 PSAP and provider of emergency services dispatched through a 9-1-1 system must coordinate with the mobile mental and behavioral health services established by the Department Division of Mental Health so that the following State goals and State prohibitions are met whenever a person interacts with one of these entities for the purpose of seeking emergency mental and behavioral health care or when one of these entities recognizes the appropriateness of providing mobile mental or behavioral health care to an individual with whom they have engaged. The Department Division of Mental Health is also directed to provide guidance regarding whether and how these entities should coordinate with mobile mental and behavioral health services when responding to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaged in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 102-580, eff. 1-1-22; 103-105, eff. 6-27-23.)

(50 ILCS 754/25)

Sec. 25. State goals.

(a) 9-1-1 PSAPs, emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 PSAPs, and the mobile mental and behavioral health service established by the Department Division of Mental Health must coordinate their services so that the State goals listed in this Section are achieved. Appropriate mobile response service for mental and behavioral health emergencies shall be available regardless of whether the initial contact was with 9-8-8, with 9-1-1, or directly with an emergency service dispatched through 9-1-1. Appropriate mobile response services must:

(1) whenever possible, ensure that individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health crises are diverted from hospitalization or incarceration and are instead linked with available appropriate community services;

(2) include the option of on-site care if that type of care is appropriate and does not override the care decisions of the individual receiving care. Providing care in the community, through methods like mobile crisis units, is encouraged. If effective care is provided on site, and if it is consistent with the care decisions of the individual receiving the care, further transportation to other medical providers is not required by this Act;

(3) recommend appropriate referrals for available community services if the individual receiving on-site care is not already in a treatment relationship with a service provider or is unsatisfied with their current service providers. The referrals shall take into consideration waiting lists and copayments, which may present barriers to access; and

(4) subject to the care decisions of the individual receiving care, coordinate transportation for any individual experiencing a mental or behavioral health emergency to the most integrated and least restrictive setting feasible. A mobile crisis response team may provide transportation if the mobile crisis response team is appropriately equipped and staffed to do so.

(b) Prioritize requests for emergency assistance. 9-1-1 PSAPs, emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 PSAPs, and the mobile mental and behavioral health service established by the Department Division of Mental Health must provide guidance for prioritizing calls for assistance and maximum response time in relation to the type of emergency reported.

(c) Provide appropriate response times. From the time of first notification, 9-1-1 PSAPs, emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 PSAPs, and the mobile mental and behavioral health service established by the Department Division of Mental Health must provide the response within a response time appropriate to the care requirements of the individual with an emergency.

(d) Require appropriate mobile mental health relief provider training. Mobile mental health relief providers must have adequate training to address the needs of individuals experiencing a mental or behavioral health emergency. Adequate training at least includes:

(1) training in de-escalation techniques;

(2) knowledge of local community services and supports;

(3) training in respectful interaction with people experiencing mental or behavioral health crises, including the concepts of stigma and respectful language;

(4) training in recognizing and working with people with neurodivergent and developmental disability diagnoses and in the techniques available to help stabilize and connect them to further services; and

(5) training in the involuntary commitment process, in identification of situations that meet the standards for involuntary commitment, and in cultural competencies and social biases to guard against any group being disproportionately subjected to the involuntary commitment process or the use of the process not warranted under the legal standard for involuntary commitment.

(e) Require minimum team staffing. The Department Division of Mental Health, in consultation with the Regional Advisory Committees created in Section 40, shall determine the appropriate credentials for the mental health providers responding to calls, including to what extent the mobile mental health relief providers must have certain credentials and licensing, and to what extent the mobile mental health relief providers can be peer support professionals.

(f) Require training from individuals with lived experience. Training shall be provided by individuals with lived experience to the extent available.

(g) Adopt guidelines directing referral to restrictive care settings. Mobile mental health relief providers must have guidelines to follow when considering whether to refer an individual to more restrictive forms of care, like emergency room or hospital settings.

(h) Specify regional best practices. Mobile mental health relief providers providing these services must do so consistently with best practices, which include respecting the care choices of the individuals receiving assistance. Regional best practices may be broken down into sub-regions, as appropriate to reflect local resources and conditions. With the agreement of the impacted EMS Regions, providers of emergency response to physical emergencies may participate in another EMS Region for mental and behavioral response, if that participation shall provide a better service to individuals experiencing a mental or behavioral health emergency.

(i) Adopt a system for directing care in advance of an emergency. The Department Division of Mental Health shall select and publicly identify a system that allows individuals who voluntarily chose to do so to provide confidential advanced care directions to individuals providing services under this Act. No system for providing advanced care direction may be implemented unless the Department Division of Mental Health approves it as confidential, available to individuals at all economic levels, and non-stigmatizing. The Department Division of Mental Health may defer this requirement for providing a system for advanced care direction if it determines that no existing systems can currently meet these requirements.

(j) Train dispatching staff. The personnel staffing 9-1-1, 3-1-1, or other emergency response intake systems must be provided with adequate training to assess whether coordinating with 9-8-8 is appropriate.

(k) Establish protocol for emergency responder coordination. The Department Division of Mental Health shall establish a protocol for mobile mental health relief providers, law enforcement, and fire and ambulance services to request assistance from each other, and train these groups on the protocol.

(l) Integrate law enforcement. The Department Division of Mental Health shall provide for law enforcement to request mobile mental health relief provider assistance whenever law enforcement engages an individual appropriate for services under this Act. If law enforcement would typically request EMS assistance when it encounters an individual with a physical health emergency, law enforcement shall similarly dispatch mental or behavioral health personnel or medical transportation when it encounters an individual in a mental or behavioral health emergency.

(m) 9-1-1 PSAPs shall screen specific types of law enforcement calls and follow approved protocols and processes under this Act to identify callers experiencing behavioral health crises and refer them for a behavioral health response.

(n) 9-1-1 PSAPs shall open and follow the emergency medical dispatch protocols established under the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act at the start of all emergency calls when appropriate to ensure the protocols are used and applied consistently and uniformly to ensure that information related to behavioral health emergency calls is available for data collection and can be used to determine which calls should be referred for a behavioral health response.

(o) PSAP telecommunicators, 9-8-8 crisis counselors, and mobile mental health relief providers shall complete training necessary to support the implementation of this Act, as approved by the Department or the Department's designee.

(p) 9-1-1 PSAPs, 9-8-8 providers, and mobile mental health relief providers shall provide required data using the format and data definitions specified by the Department. The information may be used to evaluate implementation, evaluate quality assurance and improvement efforts, and monitor compliance with this Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-105, eff. 6-27-23; 104-155, eff. 8-1-25; revised 12-12-25.)

(50 ILCS 754/30)

Sec. 30. State prohibitions. 9-1-1 PSAPs, emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 PSAPs, and the mobile mental and behavioral health service established by the Department Division of Mental Health must coordinate their services so that, based on the information provided to them, the following State prohibitions are avoided:

(a) Law enforcement responsibility for providing mental and behavioral health care. In any area where mobile mental health relief providers are available for dispatch, law enforcement shall not be dispatched to respond to an individual requiring mental or behavioral health care unless that individual is (i) involved in a suspected violation of the criminal laws of this State, or (ii) presents a threat of physical injury to self or others. Mobile mental health relief providers are not considered available for dispatch under this Section if 9-8-8 reports that it cannot dispatch appropriate service within the maximum response times established by each Regional Advisory Committee under Section 45.

(1) Standing on its own or in combination with each other, the fact that an individual is experiencing a mental or behavioral health emergency, or has a mental health, behavioral health, or other diagnosis, is not sufficient to justify an assessment that the individual is a threat of physical injury to self or others, or requires a law enforcement response to a request for emergency response or medical transportation.

(2) If, based on its assessment of the threat to public safety, law enforcement would not accompany medical transportation responding to a physical health emergency, unless requested by mobile mental health relief providers, law enforcement may not accompany emergency response or medical transportation personnel responding to a mental or behavioral health emergency that presents an equivalent level of threat to self or public safety.

(3) Without regard to an assessment of threat to self or threat to public safety, law enforcement may station personnel so that they can rapidly respond to requests for assistance from mobile mental health relief providers if law enforcement does not interfere with the provision of emergency response or transportation services. To the extent practical, not interfering with services includes remaining sufficiently distant from or out of sight of the individual receiving care so that law enforcement presence is unlikely to escalate the emergency.

(b) Mobile mental health relief provider involvement in involuntary commitment. Mobile mental health relief providers may participate in the involuntary commitment process only to the extent permitted under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. The Department Division of Behavioral Health shall, in consultation with each Regional Advisory Committee, as appropriate, monitor the use of involuntary commitment under this Act and provide systemic recommendations to improve outcomes for those subject to commitment.

(c) Use of law enforcement for transportation. In any area where mobile mental health relief providers are available for dispatch, unless requested by mobile mental health relief providers, law enforcement shall not be used to provide transportation to access mental or behavioral health care, or travel between mental or behavioral health care providers, except where (i) no alternative is available; (ii) the individual requests transportation from law enforcement and law enforcement mutually agrees to provide transportation; or (iii) the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code requires or permits law enforcement to provide transportation.

(d) Reduction of educational institution obligations. The services coordinated under this Act may not be used to replace any service an educational institution is required to provide to a student. It shall not substitute for appropriate special education and related services that schools are required to provide by any law.

(e) This Section is operative beginning on the date the 3 conditions in Section 65 are met or July 1, 2025, whichever is earlier.

(Source: P.A. 103-105, eff. 6-27-23; 103-645, eff. 7-1-24; 104-155, eff. 8-1-25.)

(50 ILCS 754/35)

Sec. 35. Non-violent misdemeanors. The Department's Division of Mental Health's Guidance for 9-1-1 PSAPs and emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 PSAPs for coordinating the response to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaging in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor shall promote the following:

(a) Prioritization of Health Care. To the greatest extent practicable, community-based mental or behavioral health services should be provided before addressing law enforcement objectives.

(b) Diversion from Further Criminal Justice Involvement. To the greatest extent practicable, individuals should be referred to health care services with the potential to reduce the likelihood of further law enforcement engagement and referral to a pre-arrest or pre-booking case management unit should be prioritized in any areas served by pre-arrest or pre-booking case management.

(Source: P.A. 102-580, eff. 1-1-22; 103-105, eff. 6-27-23.)

(50 ILCS 754/40)

Sec. 40. Statewide Advisory Committee.

(a) The Department Division of Mental Health shall establish a Statewide Advisory Committee to review and make recommendations for aspects of coordinating 9-1-1 and the 9-8-8 mobile mental health response system most appropriately addressed on a State level.

(b) Issues to be addressed by the Statewide Advisory Committee include, but are not limited to, addressing changes necessary in 9-1-1 call taking protocols and scripts used in 9-1-1 PSAPs where those protocols and scripts are based on or otherwise dependent on national providers for their operation.

(c) The Statewide Advisory Committee shall recommend a system for gathering data related to the coordination of the 9-1-1 and 9-8-8 systems for purposes of allowing the parties to make ongoing improvements in that system. As practical, the system shall attempt to determine issues, which may include, but are not limited to:

(1) the volume of calls coordinated between 9-1-1 and 9-8-8;

(2) the volume of referrals from other first responders to 9-8-8;

(3) the volume and type of calls deemed appropriate for referral to 9-8-8 but could not be served by 9-8-8 because of capacity restrictions or other reasons;

(4) the appropriate information to improve coordination between 9-1-1 and 9-8-8;

(5) the appropriate information to improve the 9-8-8 system, if the information is most appropriately gathered at the 9-1-1 PSAPs; and

(6) the number of instances of mobile mental health relief providers initiating petitions for involuntary commitment, broken down by county and contracting entity employing the petitioning mobile mental health relief providers and the aggregate demographic data of the individuals subject to those petitions.

(d) The Statewide Advisory Committee shall consist of:

(1) the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator, ex officio;

(2) one representative designated by the Illinois Chapter of National Emergency Number Association (NENA);

(3) one representative designated by the Illinois Chapter of Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO);

(4) one representative of the Division Behavioral Health and Recovery of the Department of Human Services of Mental Health;

(5) one representative of the Illinois Department of Public Health;

(6) one representative of a statewide organization of EMS responders;

(7) one representative of a statewide organization of fire chiefs;

(8) two representatives of statewide organizations of law enforcement;

(9) two representatives of mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse providers; and

(10) four representatives of advocacy organizations either led by or consisting primarily of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, individuals with behavioral disabilities, or individuals with lived experience; and .

(11) one representative of the Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Department of Human Services.

(e) The members of the Statewide Advisory Committee, other than the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator, shall be appointed by the Secretary of Human Services.

(f) The Statewide Advisory Committee shall continue to meet until this Act has been fully implemented, as determined by the Department Division of Mental Health, and mobile mental health relief providers are available in all parts of Illinois. The Department Division of Mental Health may reconvene the Statewide Advisory Committee at its discretion after full implementation of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-105, eff. 6-27-23; 104-155, eff. 8-1-25.)

(50 ILCS 754/45)

Sec. 45. Regional Advisory Committees.

(a) The Department Division of Mental Health shall establish Regional Advisory Committees in each EMS Region to advise on regional issues related to emergency response systems for mental and behavioral health. The Secretary of Human Services shall appoint the members of the Regional Advisory Committees. Each Regional Advisory Committee shall consist of:

(1) representatives of the 9-1-1 PSAPs in the region;

(2) representatives of the EMS Medical Directors Committee, as constituted under the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act, or other similar committee serving the medical needs of the jurisdiction;

(3) representatives of law enforcement officials with jurisdiction in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regions;

(4) representatives of both the EMS providers and the unions representing EMS or emergency mental and behavioral health responders, or both; and

(5) advocates from the mental health, behavioral health, intellectual disability, and developmental disability communities.

If no person is willing or available to fill a member's seat for one of the required areas of representation on a Regional Advisory Committee under paragraphs (1) through (5), the Secretary of Human Services shall adopt procedures to ensure that a missing area of representation is filled once a person becomes willing and available to fill that seat.

(b) The majority of advocates on the Regional Advisory Committee must either be individuals with a lived experience of a condition commonly regarded as a mental health or behavioral health disability, developmental disability, or intellectual disability or be from organizations primarily composed of such individuals. The members of the Committee shall also reflect the racial demographics of the jurisdiction served. To achieve the requirements of this subsection, the Department Division of Mental Health must establish a clear plan and regular course of action to engage, recruit, and sustain areas of established participation. The plan and actions taken must be shared with the general public.

(c) Subject to the oversight of the Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health, the EMS Medical Directors Committee or a chair appointed in agreement of the Department Division of Mental Health and the EMS Medical Directors Committee is responsible for convening the meetings of the committee. Qualifications for appointment as chair under this subsection include a demonstrated understanding of the tasks of the Regional Advisory Committee as well as standing within the region as a leader capable of building consensus for the purpose of achieving the tasks assigned to the committee. Impacted units of local government may also have representatives on the committee subject to approval by the Department Division of Mental Health, if this participation is structured in such a way that it does not give undue weight to any of the groups represented.

(Source: P.A. 102-580, eff. 1-1-22; 103-105, eff. 6-27-23; 103-645, eff. 7-1-24.)

(50 ILCS 754/50)

Sec. 50. Regional Advisory Committee responsibilities. Each Regional Advisory Committee and subregional committee established by the Regional Advisory Committee are responsible for designing the local protocols to allow its region's or subregion's 9-1-1 call centers and emergency responders to coordinate their activities with 9-8-8 as required by this Act and monitoring current operation to advise on ongoing adjustments to the local protocols. A subregional committee, which may be convened by a majority vote of a Regional Advisory Committee, must include members that are representative of all required categories of the full Regional Advisory Committee and must provide guidance to the Regional Advisory Committees on adjustments that need to be made for local level operationalization of protocols. Included in this responsibility, each Regional Advisory Committee or subregional committee must:

(1) negotiate the appropriate amendment of each 9-1-1 PSAP emergency dispatch protocols, in consultation with each 9-1-1 PSAP in the EMS Region and consistent with national certification requirements;

(2) set maximum response times for 9-8-8 to provide service when an in-person response is required, based on type of mental or behavioral health emergency, which, if exceeded, constitute grounds for sending other emergency responders through the 9-1-1 system;

(3) report, geographically by police district if practical, the data collected through the direction provided by the Statewide Advisory Committee in aggregated, non-individualized monthly reports. These reports shall be available to the Regional Advisory Committee members, subregional committee members, the Department of Human Service Division of Mental Health, the Administrator of the 9-1-1 Authority, and to the public upon request;

(4) convene, after the initial regional policies are established, at least every 2 years to consider amendment of the regional policies, if any, and also convene whenever a member of the Committee requests that the Committee or subregional committee consider an amendment; and

(5) identify regional resources and supports for use by the mobile mental health relief providers as they respond to the requests for services; .

(6) review regional and subregional crisis response system capacities and resources to inform planning and implementation and to foster collaboration across all sectors of the system; and

(7) determine community needs and make a plan to support local communities to develop and use other resources to create additional mobile mental health relief provider services to expand the capacity to provide more immediate service coverage where needed. These additional mobile mental health relief provider services may be dispatched from 9-1-1, 9-8-8, or successor dispatch systems and shall be subject to the same standards and requirements as mobile mental health relief providers funded by the State.

(Source: P.A. 102-580, eff. 1-1-22; 103-105, eff. 6-27-23; 103-645, eff. 7-1-24.)

(50 ILCS 754/65)

Sec. 65. PSAP and emergency service dispatched through a 9-1-1 PSAP; coordination of activities with mobile and behavioral health services.

(a) Each 9-1-1 PSAP and emergency service dispatched through a 9-1-1 PSAP must begin coordinating its activities with the mobile mental and behavioral health services established by the Department Division of Mental Health once all 3 of the following conditions are met, but not later than July 1, 2027:

(1) the Statewide Committee has negotiated useful protocol and 9-1-1 operator script adjustments with the contracted services providing these tools to 9-1-1 PSAPs operating in Illinois;

(2) the appropriate Regional Advisory Committee has completed design of the specific 9-1-1 PSAP's process for coordinating activities with the mobile mental and behavioral health service; and

(3) the mobile mental and behavioral health service is available in their jurisdiction.

(b) To achieve the conditions of subsection (a) by July 1, 2027, the following activities shall be completed:

(1) No later than June 30, 2025, pilot testing of the revised protocols;

(2) No later than June 30, 2026:

(A) assessment and evaluation of the pilots;

(B) revisions, as needed, of protocols and operations based on assessment and evaluation of the pilots;

(C) implementation of revised protocols at pilot sites; and

(D) implementation of revised protocols by PSAPs who are ready to implement, otherwise known as early adopters; and

(3) No later than June 30, 2027, implementation of revised protocols by all remaining PSAPs, including any PSAPs that previously cited financial barriers to updating systems.

(Source: P.A. 103-105, eff. 6-27-23; 103-645, eff. 7-1-24; 104-155, eff. 8-1-25.)

(50 ILCS 754/70)

Sec. 70. Report. On or before July 1, 2026 2023 and on an annual a quarterly basis thereafter, the Department Division of Mental Health shall submit a report to the General Assembly on its progress in implementing this Act until full implementation has been achieved statewide, as determined by the Department. The report , which shall include, but not be limited to, a strategic assessment that evaluates the success toward current strategy, identification of future targets for implementation that help estimate the potential for success and provides a basis for assessing future performance, and key benchmarks to provide a comparison to set in context and help stakeholders understand their positions.

(Source: P.A. 103-105, eff. 6-27-23.)

(50 ILCS 754/75 new)

Sec. 75. Oversight of PSAP compliance.

(a) The Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator shall monitor and require public safety answering points to comply with the requirements of this Act in accordance with Sections 7.2 and 7.3 of the Emergency Telephone System Act. The Department shall provide consultation and collaboration to the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator, as appropriate, to support PSAP compliance with this Act.

(b) The Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator shall consult, as appropriate, with the Department to support PSAP compliance under this Act. In carrying out the responsibility under subsection (a), the Department shall provide consultation, resources, collaboration, and guidance to the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator, as appropriate, to support PSAP compliance with the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. The guidance shall include required data elements, reporting formats, and a mechanism for reporting provider service data to support monitoring, verification, and quality improvement.

(50 ILCS 754/80 new)

Sec. 80. Rulemaking. The Department may adopt rules to implement and administer this Act.