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HB 6647

AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF WAYS TO DEVELOP AND ENHANCE PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THAT ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS OF POLICE OFFICERS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Al Paolillo

HB 6647 - Study on Mental Health Programs for Police Officers OverviewBill Number: HB 6647 Title: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF WAYS TO DEVELOP AND ENHANCE PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Safety and Security
#emergencyservicesandpublicprotection #departmentof #mentalhealth #police #studies
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Bill Summary · HB 6647

HB 6647 - Study on Mental Health Programs for Police Officers

Overview

Bill Number: HB 6647
Title: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF WAYS TO DEVELOP AND ENHANCE PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THAT ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS OF POLICE OFFICERS.
Status: REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Safety and Security
Introduced: January 24, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to address the mental health challenges faced by police officers by requiring a comprehensive study on developing and enhancing programs and initiatives to support their wellbeing. The legislative rationale recognizes the high-stress nature of police work and the need to prioritize the mental health of those who serve on the frontlines of public safety.

Key Provisions

  • Directs the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to conduct a study on the mental health needs of police officers and ways to improve support programs
  • Requires the study to examine:
    • Existing mental health resources and services available to police officers
    • Barriers and challenges that prevent officers from accessing mental health support
    • Strategies to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage utilization of services
    • Best practices from other states and jurisdictions for supporting officer mental health
    • Potential new programs, initiatives, or policy changes to better address officer needs
  • Mandates the department to submit a report of findings and recommendations to the legislature within 1 year of the bill's enactment

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly impact police officers across the state by aiming to improve the mental health resources and support available to them. Improved officer wellbeing could have downstream benefits for public safety, as healthier officers may be better equipped to serve their communities effectively. The study's findings and recommendations could also inform policy changes at the state and local level to further address this critical issue.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HB 6647 has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security for consideration. If passed by the committee and both chambers of the legislature, the bill would require the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to conduct the mandated study and report back to the legislature within 1 year.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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