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SB0137Introduced in the Senate

Involuntary treatment of substance use disorder.

IntroducedSenate Judiciary

Introduced by Dan Dernulc, District 1

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

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Official description

Involuntary treatment of substance use disorder. Allows an individual's spouse, legal guardian, friend, relative, or medical service provider to petition a court for involuntary substance use disorder treatment. Requires a petition to include certain information and allows a court to dismiss a petition, without prejudice, if it does not contain the required information. Requires the court to appoint a public defender if the individual subject to a petition seeking involuntary substance use disorder treatment is not represented by an attorney. Requires a court to order the individual to be evaluated by a medical provider if the court finds that: (1) the individual has a substance use disorder; (2) because of the individual's substance use disorder, the individual is experiencing impaired judgment and is unable to independently maintain the individual's activities of daily living or is a danger to self or others; and (3) the individual refuses to voluntarily participate in substance use disorder treatment. Allows a court to order a local law enforcement agency to consider whether an individual meets the criteria for emergency detention under certain circumstances. Requires a medical provider who completes an evaluation concerning an individual's need for substance use disorder treatment to submit the evaluation to the court. Specifies that after receiving an evaluation from a medical provider, the court may dismiss the petition or set a hearing for further evidence to be presented about the individual's need for substance use disorder treatment. Requires a court to order involuntary outpatient substance use disorder treatment for a period, not to exceed 90 days, if medical evidence supports that the individual requires immediate treatment for a substance use disorder and the individual has refused treatment.

Where it stands

Senator Charbonneau added as second author

January 12, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.

Bill history

  1. Authored by Senator Dernulc

  2. First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary

  3. Senator Charbonneau added as second author

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