Holmes backs SB3798 to boost behavioral health crisis response during 9-1-1 emergencies
Sen. Linda Holmes (D-42nd) cast a Yes vote on SB3798, legislation intended to enhance behavioral health crisis response in connection with 9-1-1 calls, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. The bill was approved by the Illinois Senate with a 58-0 outcome, according to the Illinois Senate.
The official summary of SB3798 reads: "MENTAL HEALTH 9-1-1 CALLS."
The following review offers explanation based directly on the text of the legislation, with clarifications to aid understanding of the bill's intent.
SB3798 aims to bolster behavioral health crisis handling in Illinois by mandating that 9-1-1 centers review certain police calls for behavioral health concerns, implement statewide emergency medical dispatch standards, and route suitable cases to mobile mental health units or the 9-8-8 crisis system instead of law enforcement. Effective July 1, 2027, all public safety answering points must adopt Community Emergency Services and Support Act standards and submit to monitoring by the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator, with backing from the Department of Human Services. The legislation also extends regional planning responsibilities, codifies requirements for data sharing and staff training, and updates police Crisis Intervention Team education to focus on community-centered solutions.
The legislative record notes the action 'House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs' for SB3798.
Holmes earned a Bachelor of Arts from National College of Education in 1984.
Holmes, a Democrat, began representing the 42nd Senate District in the Illinois State Senate after her 2007 election, taking over from former state senator Phyllis Petka.
In Illinois, the legislative process involves multiple stages: a bill's introduction in the House or Senate, committee evaluation, debates and floor votes in each chamber, and potential approval or veto by the governor. The General Assembly operates on a two-year cycle, and while lawmakers introduce thousands of bills in each session, only a limited number make it through all steps to become law.