By State Representative Danny Garrett
Commentary
MONTGOMERY — Obviously, the topic on everyone’s mind this past week has been the coronavirus (COVID-19). Before Alabama had its first confirmed case of coronavirus, the Legislature took proactive action and passed $5 million in emergency funding for testing kits and mitigation efforts. In addition, Dr. Scott Harris of the Alabama Department of Public Health provided lawmakers with regular briefings and updates on the matter, and Gov. Ivey continued to aggressively prepare for any possible scenario.
Hand washing, good hygiene practices, and simple common sense can go far toward limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our state. As this continues to unfold, Alabamians should look to the Alabama Department of Health’s website for updated information on the coronavirus.
The Alabama House approved three bills that are part of an important mental health package that was recommended by Gov. Ivey’s task force on mental health. The major legislative initiative is designed to expand and improve the mental health services available to Alabama citizens. This effort is probably the most important news that nobody is talking about. This effort really has the potential to significantly impact the lives of many people across our state.
The first bill allows law enforcement officers to place individuals who are believed to have a mental illness and pose a threat to themselves or others under 72-hour protective custody, which includes transportation to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. The second bill requires mandatory crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers that will help them respond to people suffering from a mental health crisis. The third bill requires each school system to employ a mental health service coordinator to help intervene with students who show signs of mental health illnesses.
In addition to the three bills, we also passed two joint resolutions. The first called for creation and funding of three 24-hour crisis care centers and a mobile unit, which serve as an alternative to costly hospital and emergency room visits by providing suicide prevention and other mental health services on an immediate, walk-in basis. The second resolution promotes the Stepping Up initiative, which seeks to reduce the number of individuals in jail with mental illness.
A Teacher Bill of Rights was also passed by the House. We want to let teachers know that we recognize their challenges and are looking for ways to support them. The legislature realizes that Alabama faces a teacher shortage and that classroom teachers are forced to manage a host of issues – the behavioral, the mental health, the paperwork – in addition to actually teaching. More than just having a conversation, we want to show our support and move toward solutions to the challenges our teachers face. This is a step forward.
The House and Senate passed a bill giving foster parents greater standing in the adoption process. Previously, judges have not been allowed to take into account the impact that foster parents have played in a child’s life. The new law would allow judges to consider a child’s foster family as an adoption option. Overall, the new law will give judges greater freedom to do what is in the best interest of children.
As of now, the Legislature is scheduled to return from the spring break recess on March 26. Given the fluid nature of the coronavirus situation, it is possible that our return may be delayed. Please do your part to help limit spreading of the virus and let’s all join together to support and help each other in the coming weeks.
It is an honor to serve House District 44. Please feel free to contact me at dannygarrett44@gmail.com or call me at 205-410-4637 if there is anything you wish to discuss.