Revising reimbursement and transportation process for post-mental health involuntary commitment

This bill (SB 661) updates transportation and hospital placement rules for individuals involuntarily committed to mental health facilities in West Virginia. It allows counties to use multiple deputies for transport (instead of one), choose hospitals closer to the person’s residence, and utilize out-of-state facilities when necessary. These changes affect county governments, mental health facilities, and patients undergoing involuntary commitment. The bill does not alter the commitment process itself but revises post-commitment logistics. It amends §27-5-4 of West Virginia Code to modernize transportation and facility selection procedures.