FRANKFORT, Ky. — State lawmakers, mental health advocates and other stakeholders announced on August 17 the implementation of HB 485, legislation that state officials said modernizes Kentucky's mental health statutes and expands treatment options while maintaining public safety protections.

The measure, sponsored by House Majority Whip Jason Nemes and co-sponsored by House Health Services Committee Chair Kim Moser and ranking committee member Lisa Willner, was signed into law as part of SB 122. According to supporters, the legislation is the result of years of collaboration among judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, mental health professionals and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

The key provision creates a third option for courts in mental health cases. Previously, courts could only choose between involuntary hospitalization or releasing an individual following a mental health evaluation. Under HB 485, courts may now order outpatient psychiatric treatment with specific requirements including taking prescribed medication, participating in treatment programs and following up with medical providers.

"This legislation is a great example of what can happen when people come to the table willing to listen, work together and find common ground," Nemes said in a statement. The bill's proponents said Kentucky's grade from the Treatment Advocacy Center improved from a C+ to an A+, making the state number 1 in the nation for civil commitment and outpatient treatment laws.

Willner said in a statement that "mental illness has no regard for political party or ideology," adding that the bipartisan effort demonstrates that "good people from both sides of the political aisle can come together and develop good and important policy that will truly help people across the commonwealth."

HB 485 also updates definitions related to mental illness, clarifies procedures for involuntary hospitalization and establishes certification review processes. The legislation modifies Kentucky's forensic commitment laws, extending evidentiary hearing deadlines from 20 to 45 days and adjusting review requirements for individuals found incompetent to stand trial for certain violent crimes.

Supporters said the changes will help reduce the number of people with mental illness cycling through jails and emergency rooms or living without appropriate care by emphasizing treatment in the least restrictive setting possible.