We are nearly three weeks into the 2025 General Assembly session, and Vocal Virginia is hard at work tracking several bills that could significantly impact mental health in our state. As peers and members of Vocal Virginia, we’re counting on you to help us champion these critical issues and advocate for those with lived experience of mental health challenges.
This week’s advocacy blog features three pieces of legislation aimed at decriminalizing mental health and improving the mental health workforce by expanding access to care.
The first bill, which addresses both issues, is Delegate Katrina Callsen’s HB1877. This bill pertains to the screening requirements for peer recovery specialists who have barrier crimes. It removes the requirement that all court costs and fees must be paid before an individual—who is otherwise qualified—can work for a Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) licensed facility. This bill passed the House Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Subcommittee on January 23, 2025. To learn more about this legislation, please click here. To learn more about the House Health and Human Services Committee, including membership and contact information, please click here.
The next piece of legislation we are advocating for also relates to the workforce. Delegate Rodney Willett’s HB1897 expands the scope of practice for master's level social workers to allow them to provide clinical services under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. To learn more about this legislation, please click here. This bill passed the House Health and Human Services, Health Professions Subcommittee on January 23, 2025. To learn more about the House Health and Human Services Committee, including membership and contact information, please click here.
The final piece of legislation we’re spotlighting today is Delegate Vivian Watts’s HB1712, which provides that no law enforcement officer with the power to arrest is required to arrest an individual who is currently subject to an emergency custody order, temporary detention order, or involuntary admission. However, such an officer may arrest the individual upon the expiration of any such order. This bill also requires training for law enforcement officers and agencies as it pertains to this proposal. To learn more about this legislation, please click here. The bill is currently pending in the House Courts of Justice Criminal Subcommittee. To learn more about the House Courts of Justice Criminal Subcommittee, including membership and contact information, please click here.
Now is the perfect time to reach out to your Member of the House of Delegates and your Senator about these crucial issues! Your voice can make a real difference, and we’re excited to help you get connected. If you need contact info for your representatives, you can easily find it here.
Want to dig even deeper? Check out Virginia’s Legislative Information System! It's a goldmine for staying up-to-date on legislation, committee meetings, and more. Plus, you can sign up to speak or leave written comments—every action counts! Ready to jump in? Visit the Legislative Information System by clicking here.
Your voice is powerful—whether it’s raising awareness, sharing your story, or taking action. To stay up-to-date on legislation that Vocal Virginia is tracking, please click here.
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