CHAPTER 370
An Act to amend and reenact § 37.2-311.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Marcus Alert Evaluation Task Force creation.
[H 225]
Approved April 8, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 37.2-311.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 37.2-311.1 . Comprehensive crisis system; Marcus alert system; powers and duties of the Department related to comprehensive mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability crisis services.
A. As used in this section and §§ 37.2-311.2 through 37.2-311.6 , unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Community care team" means a team of mental health service providers, and may include registered peer recovery specialists and law-enforcement officers as a team, with the mental health service providers leading such team, to help stabilize individuals in crisis situations. Law enforcement may provide backup support as needed to a community care team in accordance with the protocols and best practices developed pursuant to § 9.1-193 . In addition to serving as a co-response unit, community care teams may, at the discretion of the employing locality, engage in community mental health awareness and services.
"Comprehensive crisis system" means the continuum of care established by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services pursuant to this section.
"Crisis call center" means a call center that provides crisis intervention that meets NSPL standards for risk assessment and engagement and the requirements of § 37.2-311.2 .