Subcommittee approves amendment to allow updates to Marcus Alert plan; staff to align policies with amended written plan

Delegate Rodney Willett presented an amendment from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to a bill authorizing updates to the Marcus Alert plan. Staff (identified in the transcript as Delliott) read the amendment, which inserts a line stating that "the written plan shall serve as the operational framework for relevant components of the Comprehensive Crisis System and the Marcus Alert system" and requires state agencies and local partners to align policies, procedures and operations with the plan as amended.

Willett said the Marcus Alert plan was developed in 2021 and that the current code does not include a provision to amend the plan; the bill would provide that flexibility. He said the bill itself has no fiscal impact but noted he had a separate budget amendment to help the remaining 13 community services boards implement Marcus Alert by 2028.

A committee member asked whether the bill would go to Appropriations; the clerk clarified it would not. No public testimony was recorded for or against the amendment. A motion to report the bill with the amendment was moved and seconded; the clerk announced the bill was reported with seven yeas and no nays. The bill will advance to the next stage for further consideration.