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HB 1885

FINANCE-LINE ITEM TRANSFERS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Curtis Tarver

HB 1885 required law enforcement officers involved in deadly force incidents to take paid leave and attend mandatory therapy, promoting mental health support before returning to duty.

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Bill Summary · HB 1885

Summary of House Bill 1885

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1885
Title: Concerning Law Enforcement; and to Require a Law Enforcement Officer Involved in a Deadly Use of Force Incident to be Placed on Temporary Leave and Attend Therapy.
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: March 20, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1885 aimed to establish a protocol for law enforcement officers involved in deadly use of force incidents. The primary intent was to ensure that such officers are placed on temporary leave and receive mental health support through mandatory therapy sessions. This legislation sought to address the psychological impact of such incidents on officers and promote their well-being before returning to active duty.

Key Provisions

The bill included several significant provisions:

  1. Immediate Leave:

    • Law enforcement officers involved in a deadly use of force incident would be placed on paid administrative leave immediately following the incident.

  2. Mandatory Mental Health Counseling:

    • Officers would be required to attend mandatory sessions of professional mental health counseling or therapy.
    • These sessions would be provided by a licensed counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist at no cost to the officer.
    • The counseling period would last for at least 90 days, with the possibility of extension if recommended by the mental health professional.

  3. Return to Duty Conditions:

    • Officers could only return to active duty after:
      • Receiving notice from the prosecuting attorney that no criminal charges would be filed against them.
      • Providing documentation from the mental health professional confirming attendance in therapy and recommending their return to duty.

  4. Exemptions:

    • The requirements would not apply if the officer was charged with a criminal offense related to the deadly use of force incident.

Impact

The bill was designed to affect law enforcement officers directly, ensuring they receive necessary mental health support following traumatic incidents. It aimed to foster a culture of mental health awareness within law enforcement agencies, potentially leading to better outcomes for both officers and the communities they serve.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 20, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 20, 2025: Rules suspended; read a second time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • April 1, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted, and the bill was ordered engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While HB 1885 did not progress beyond the committee stage, its provisions highlighted the importance of mental health support for law enforcement officers involved in high-stress situations. The bill aimed to create a structured approach to ensure officers' psychological well-being, reflecting a growing recognition of mental health issues within law enforcement.

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

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