Marcus alert system; external database information removal.
Summary
Marcus alert system; external database information removal. Clarifies that an individual's information may continue to appear on a voluntary Marcus alert system external database that cannot be modified by a locality after such individual reaches 18 years of age. This bill is a recommendation of the Behavioral Health Commission.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Jan 8, 2026
Signed Apr 6, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Enrolled
→
Chaptered
·
3 edits
MINOR
This bill transitions the Marcus alert system from a draft proposal to an official state law, adding a new requirement for localities to create voluntary databases containing mental health information. The primary substantive change is the addition of a mandate for localities of all sizes to establish protocols for diverting 9-1-1 calls to crisis centers, while the original deadline for creating the voluntary database was removed without a replacement date.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include a mandatory requirement for all localities to develop call diversion protocols, whereas the previous version only required localities to establish a voluntary database.
REQUIREMENT
Added a mandatory requirement for every locality, regardless of population size, to establish protocols that divert 9-1-1 calls to crisis centers for risk assessment.
TIMELINE
Removed the specific deadline of July 1, 2023, for localities to establish the voluntary database for external information removal.
TECHNICAL
Converted the document from an enrolled bill draft to a finalized chaptered act, including formatting updates and the addition of the official chapter number.
Floor votes · Senate Feb 20, 2026 · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026
How they voted
39–0
Passed
Total votes 39
Feb 20, 2026
D
Democratic20
100% Yea
R
Republican19
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
26
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Apr 6, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 95 (effective 7/1/2026)
executive
Feb 25, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by President
upper
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by Speaker
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB249ER)
lower
Feb 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (38-Y 0-N 0-A)
upper
Feb 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
upper
Feb 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported from Courts of Justice (13-Y 0-N)
upper
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
upper
Jan 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read third time and passed House (93-Y 5-N 0-A)
lower
Jan 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from Public Safety (20-Y 2-N)
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee recommends reporting (6-Y 1-N)
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
Assigned HPS sub: Subcommittee #2
lower
Jan 8, 2026
Committee
Referred to Committee on Public Safety
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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