SR 182: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Community Service Boards (CSBs), and First Responders; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a law that changes anyone's rights or obligations. It recalls that the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 403 in 2022, the Georgia Behavioral Health and Peace Officer Co-Responder Act, which set up Co-Responder programs pairing law enforcement officers with behavioral health professionals to respond to mental health crises. The resolution praises the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), community service boards, and first responders for their work coordinating these programs and improving outcomes for people in crisis. It formally recognizes February 19, 2025 as Co-Responder Day at the state capitol, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to DBHDD, law enforcement agencies, community service boards, the public, and the press.

• Commends DBHDD and local Co-Responder programs for their role in responding to mental health crises across Georgia.
• Recognizes February 19, 2025 as Co-Responder Day at the state capitol to highlight crisis response efforts.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to DBHDD, law enforcement agencies, community service boards, the public, and the press.
• Does not create new funding, requirements, or penalties; it is a commendation with no regulatory effect.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, community service boards, law enforcement agencies, and behavioral health professionals involved in Co-Responder programs are named and praised, along with individuals experiencing mental health crises who these programs serve.

While the resolution does not change any law or provide funding, it publicly recognizes Co-Responder programs that pair police officers with behavioral health professionals, signaling legislative support that could shape future attention or funding decisions for these crisis response efforts.

• Recalls Senate Bill 403 from 2022, the Georgia Behavioral Health and Peace Officer Co-Responder Act, which created the Co-Responder program framework.
• Formally commends DBHDD and local Co-Responder programs for their role in mental health crisis response.
• Designates February 19, 2025 as Co-Responder Day at the state capitol.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to DBHDD, law enforcement agencies, community service boards, the public, and the press.

1. 2025-02-13Senate Read and Adopted (Senado)
2. 2025-02-12Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)Patrocinador principal
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)

• mental health crisis response
• law enforcement
• behavioral health
• community service boards