Pilot Co-Responder Police Program.

HB 504 allocates $474,680 over the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to fund a pilot program in Mecklenburg County towns (Matthews, Pineville, and Mint Hill), directly affecting these localities and residents experiencing mental health crises. The bill provides funds to hire full-time mental health professionals who will work alongside police officers during mental health-related emergency calls, integrating clinical support into law enforcement responses. Each participating town receives specific annual allocations ($131,280 for Matthews, $171,700 each for Pineville and Mint Hill) to support this co-responder model. The program aims to improve outcomes for individuals in mental health distress by pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals during crisis calls. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025.