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HB 1167

Mental Health Services for First Responders

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Campbell and 1 co-sponsor

Florida bill sought to expand mental health services and peer support programs for first responders but died in committee due to unresolved funding and implementation disputes.

Died in Insurance & Banking Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 1167

Legislative bill overview

HB 1167 proposed expanding mental health services and support programs specifically for Florida's first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The bill aimed to address the psychological toll and trauma-related conditions that first responders face through dedicated funding, counseling resources, and peer support initiatives.

Why is this important

First responders experience significantly higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide compared to the general population, yet often face barriers to accessing mental health treatment due to stigma, cost, and limited specialized services. Dedicated mental health legislation targets this critical public health gap and could reduce officer-involved incidents, improve retention, and lower long-term healthcare costs for municipalities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanism: Determining whether mental health expansion would be funded through general revenue, insurance requirements, or departmental budgets likely created fiscal disputes, particularly given Florida's budget constraints.
  • Insurance industry concerns: Referral to the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee suggests the bill may have included mandates affecting mental health coverage, which insurers typically resist as cost-increasing requirements.
  • Implementation scope: Disagreement may have existed over whether services should be mandatory, voluntary, or confidential—with concerns about privacy protections and mandatory reporting requirements.

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

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