A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DECLARING SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL, SB 464, AND ITS COMPANION, HOUSE BILL, HB 293, WHICH SEEK TO ADOPT SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FLORIDA MENTAL HEALTH ACT OF 1971 (THE "BAKER ACT"), AND URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PASS THESE BILLS DURING THE 2020 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE SESSION, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER SIMILAR BILLS SEEKING TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

The existing legal tools for assessing and treating substance abuse and mental illness – the Marchman and Baker acts – need updating if Florida is going to meet ongoing challenges.

Senate Bill 464 and House Bill 293 modernize the Baker Act and bring it in line with the majority of states that permit medical intervention before tragedy is imminent.  Changes included in the bills will increase public safety and provide needed treatment.

The bills require defendants receive validated mental health screening within 24-hours after being booked into a jail.  If there is an indication of a mental disorder, the defendant may be evaluated for involuntary commitment under the Baker Act.

These changes to the Baker Act will streamline the judicial system, allow the courts to run more efficiently, and improve Florida’s mental health system

The Administration recommends that the City Commission approve the attached resolution.