Committee rejects adding substance use disorder to involuntary commitment standard after concerns about evidence and costs

Representative Lucas opened discussion of HB 1790, a bill that would include substance use disorder in the statutory definition of mental illness for involuntary admission. Members cited national experience — about 34 states have some form of involuntary commitment for substance use disorder — but noted mixed outcomes and studies showing increased overdose risk after involuntary stays in some jurisdictions.

“One of the fundamental problems with involuntary commitment,” one member said during debate, “is when people are seeking treatment for substance use disorder there’s pretty much nothing you can do until that person is willing to get clean.” The committee also reviewed a fiscal note mentioned in testimony that projected a new facility could cost an estimated $30 million to $40 million to build plus tens of millions annually to operate — figures members said argued for focusing instead on bolstering community options such as crisis stabilization, guardianship processes and wraparound support.

After discussion, Representative Lucas moved that the subcommittee not recommend HB 1790 for future legislation; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.