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AB 1115

Peace officers: mental health liaisons.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Leticia Castillo

Local governments may designate existing mental health staff as law enforcement mental health liaisons to support officers' access to mental health resources, without new funding.

Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
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Bill Summary · AB 1115

Summary of AB 1115 (Castillo) — Peace officers: mental health liaisons

AB 1115, introduced February 20, 2025, would authorize local governments to designate existing counseling or mental health staff as law enforcement mental health liaisons to support peace officers within the local jurisdiction. The bill is currently in the Public Safety committee.

Purpose and intent

  • Address the mental health needs of law enforcement officers, who are exposed to traumatic events and face higher rates of mental health challenges (PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse).
  • Reduce barriers to care such as stigma and confidentiality concerns, thereby improving officer well-being, decisionmaking, and public safety outcomes.
  • Provide a mechanism for localities to connect officers with mental health resources more efficiently through designated liaisons.

Key provisions

  • Section added to the Penal Code (Penal Code 13543): A local government may designate one or more existing employees who specialize in counseling or mental health services as a “law enforcement mental health liaison.”
  • Role of the liaison: To facilitate mental health support for peace officers serving the local jurisdiction. The bill does not create a new department or require new funding, and it does not specify funding or programmatic details beyond designation and facilitation.

Who would be affected

  • Local governments (counties and cities) would have the option to designate mental health liaisons.
  • Peace officers in the designated jurisdiction would gain access to an on-site liaison focused on mental health support.
  • Existing counseling or mental health service employees could assume liaison duties without creating new positions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Public Safety (PUB. S.).
  • Legislative actions to date:
    • 2025-02-20: Read first time; to print.
    • 2025-02-21: From printer; may be heard in committee March 23.
    • 2025-03-10: Referred to Committee on Public Safety.
  • Fiscal considerations: No appropriation or fiscal committee involvement indicated; no local program designation.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Pros: Improves access to mental health resources for officers; may reduce stigma and support quicker, confidential access to care; potential improvements in officer well-being and public safety outcomes.
  • Considerations for implementation: Localities would determine which existing staff serve as liaisons, how referrals and coordination are managed, confidentiality safeguards, and how liaison duties integrate with department policies and protocols.
  • Since no funding is specified, local governments would determine resource needs and budgeting for any related trainings or services.

This bill emphasizes recognizing and addressing officer mental health through a flexible, locally administered liaison role using existing mental health professionals.

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

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