In a significant stride toward improving Arizona’s mental health system, Senate Bill 1604 (SB1604), signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs in 2025, marks a critical step in addressing the needs of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). This legislation, authored by attorney Josh Mozell and championed through the tireless advocacy of the Association for the Chronically Mentally Ill (ACMI)(for whom Mozell is President), aims to prevent dangerous, seriously mentally ill individuals from being released without proper oversight and treatment, while enhancing accountability and care within the state’s behavioral health system. SB1604 is a testament to Arizona’s commitment to reforming a system that has long struggled to serve its most vulnerable citizens effectively.
The Importance of SB1604
SB1604 addresses critical gaps in Arizona’s mental health system, particularly for those with chronic and severe mental illnesses who pose a risk to themselves or others. The bill focuses on ensuring that individuals with SMI are not prematurely released from care without adequate treatment plans or oversight, a problem that has historically led to cycles of hospitalization, homelessness, or incarceration. Key provisions of the legislation include:
- Preventing Premature Release: SB1604 establishes the setting necessary to ensure that seriously mentally ill individuals who are deemed dangerous are not released from care settings without comprehensive treatment plans and follow-up care. This measure aims to reduce the risk of harm to the individual and the community, addressing a long-standing issue where patients were discharged without sufficient support.
- Improved Court-Ordered Evaluations: Through secure behavioral health residential facilities, SB1604 expands the scope of court-ordered behavioral health evaluations, requiring more comprehensive assessments to develop individualized treatment plans. It also clarifies who can provide informed consent for voluntary evaluations, streamlining access to care and ensuring that patients receive tailored interventions that address their specific needs.
These reforms are vital in a state where the mental health system has been criticized for its inefficiencies, often described as a “carousel of failure” due to inadequate care and support for those with chronic mental illness. By prioritizing prevention, accountability, and individualized care, SB1604 aims to break this cycle and provide meaningful support to Arizonans with SMI.
The Visionaries Behind SB1604: Josh Mozell and ACMI
The passage of SB1604 would not have been possible without the leadership of Josh Mozell, a Phoenix-based attorney and president of the Association for the Chronically Mentally Ill (ACMI). Mozell, who began his career as a case manager in the mental health system before becoming a lawyer, brings a unique blend of practical experience and legal expertise to his advocacy. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with SMI and their families inspired him to draft SB1604, a bill designed to address systemic shortcomings with practical, impactful solutions. As the founder of Mozell Law Group, Mozell has dedicated his career to navigating families through Arizona’s complex mental health system, securing guardianships, and advocating for better care.
The Association for the Chronically Mentally Ill, under Mozell’s leadership, played a pivotal role in lobbying for SB1604. Founded by parents whose adult children struggled within Arizona’s behavioral health system, ACMI has been a powerful voice for systemic change. The organization collaborated with stakeholders to build bipartisan support for the bill, engaging lawmakers and amplifying the stories of those affected by mental illness. Their advocacy efforts culminated in the successful passage of SB1604 through the Arizona Senate, a rare bipartisan achievement in a politically divided landscape. ACMI’s work underscores the power of grassroots advocacy in driving meaningful policy reform.
The Broader Impact of SB1604
SB1604 is a critical step toward transforming Arizona’s mental health system, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges in providing comprehensive care for individuals with SMI. The bill’s focus on preventing dangerous releases and improving oversight addresses immediate safety concerns while laying the foundation for long-term systemic improvements. By requiring outcome data and enhancing evaluation processes, SB1604 ensures that treatment providers are held to higher standards, ultimately benefiting patients and their families.
However, lawmakers and advocates acknowledge that SB1604 is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Other proposed reforms, such as measures to allow loved ones to petition for involuntary treatment, did not pass in the 2025 session, underscoring the need for continued advocacy. Additionally, aligning SB1604 with existing substance abuse treatment plans and securing adequate funding for mental health services remain critical next steps to ensure the bill’s full impact.
A Call to Action for Arizona
The passage of SB1604 is a victory for Arizonans with serious mental illness and their families, offering hope for a more accountable and compassionate mental health system. Yet, the fight for comprehensive reform is far from over. Individuals, families, and advocates can support ongoing efforts by engaging with organizations like ACMI, sharing their experiences, and pushing for additional legislative changes to address remaining gaps in care.
To learn more about SB1604 and how to support mental health reform in Arizona, visit the Association for the Chronically Mentally Ill at acmionline.com. Together, we can build a system that prioritizes the dignity, safety, and well-being of all Arizonans with chronic mental illness.
