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S 1409 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to reform mental health supports and increase public safety

Summary
By Ms. Kennedy (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1409) of Gary Lowell, for legislation to mandate psychiatric evaluations in a hospital emergency room if a restraint authorization is given. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
Issues: ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates psychiatric evaluations during ER restraints, diverting mental health crises from criminal justice system to appropriate care, aligning with reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates psychiatric evaluations in ERs for restraint cases, directly strengthening mental health access and safety protocols within healthcare services.95% confidence
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Robyn Kennedy
Robyn Kennedy
DDemocratic
MA
First Worcester
Co
Photo of Bill Driscoll
Bill Driscoll
DDemocratic
MA
Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol
Co
Photo of Pat Jehlen
Pat Jehlen
DDemocratic
MA
Second Middlesex