Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025

This bill directs the Attorney General, in partnership with the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to establish a competitive grant program within 270 days of enactment. The program aims to support eligible State, Tribal, and local jurisdictions in implementing or expanding health-centered crisis response strategies for individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies. Grant funds can be used to embed mental health professionals into 911 dispatch systems, develop alternative 911 call routing to 988 or other mental health crisis hotlines, and facilitate partnerships between emergency services and 911 centers for streamlined handoffs. This initiative seeks to improve how communities respond to mental health crises by integrating specialized support. Jurisdictions receiving grants must submit annual reports detailing response times, use of force incidents, and diversion rates. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not require the removal of law enforcement from emergency response models or preempt existing state laws concerning involuntary psychiatric holds or public safety. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund this grant program.