Baker Act

Meaning

Verb

• To invoke the Baker Act, i.e., the involuntary institutionalization and examination of an individual in the state of Florida, or elsewhere in the United States.

Origin

• The legislation was nicknamed the “Baker Act” after Florida Democratic state representative from Miami, Maxine Baker, who served from 1963 to 1972. She had a strong interest in mental health issues, served as chair of the House Committee on Mental Health, and was the sponsor of the bill.