State Rep. Donni Steele this week announced the House Committee on Health Policy approved a bipartisan, three-bill package to modernize Michigan’s Mental Health Code, strengthen crisis response, and improve coordination between courts, care providers, and families.

The package is anchored by Steele’s House Bill 4412, which updates outdated mental health statutes to better reflect modern clinical practices, workforce realities, and public safety needs.

“Early intervention, continuity of care and family advocacy are vital measures to help prevent catastrophic mental health crisis before they happen. House Bill 4412 accomplishes this.” said Steele (R-Orion Township). This bill provides the structural improvements needed to make the system more responsive, while the companion bills build on that foundation to ensure disputes are resolved and treatment can continue when mental illness intersects with the justice system.

The broader reform package includes House Bill 4413, sponsored by Rep. Mark Tisdel, which expands mediation options for individuals and families navigating disputes within the mental health system and improves transparency in how those disputes are handled. House Bill 4414, sponsored by Rep. Tom Kuhn, creates a structured diversion pathway that allows certain misdemeanor defendants to receive court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment when untreated mental illness is the underlying issue.

Together, the three bills create a more coordinated approach, strengthening outpatient treatment, improving communication and mediation, and ensuring treatment remains the priority when mental illness overlaps with public safety and the justice system.

The package now advances to the House floor for further consideration.