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Bill

A 8027

Provides for mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Berger and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would provide mandated access to mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.

REFERRED TO CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · A 8027

Summary of Bill A 8027

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 8027
  • Title: Provides for mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities
  • Introduced: April 22, 2025
  • Status: REFERRED TO CORRECTION (on April 22, 2025)
  • Primary Sponsor: Paula Kay
  • Co-Sponsor: Sam Berger
  • Related/Companion: S 8061 (companion, Senate)

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to establish and ensure access to mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff employed in correctional facilities. The core objective is to support the well-being and mental health of staff who work in challenging correctional environments.

Key Provisions (High-Level)

  • Establishment of mental health counseling services for staff: The bill would mandate or authorize access to mental health Counseling for correctional facility staff, including correction officers and civilian personnel.
  • Access and delivery: While the full text is not provided here, the bill would typically address how staff can access counseling (e.g., on-site services, confidential off-site services, or telehealth options) and the credentials required of providers (licensed mental health professionals). Details such as eligibility criteria, confidentiality protections, and scheduling would normally be specified in the enacted text.
  • Program scope: The focus is on staff within correctional facilities, not inmates, although improving staff mental health could have broader organizational effects.
  • Implementation mechanics: The bill would outline administrative responsibilities, potential funding mechanisms, and oversight, with specifics to be determined in the full bill language and any implementing regulations.

Affected Parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: Correction officers and civilian staff employed in correctional facilities.
  • Administrative/operational entities: The department or agency responsible for corrections (and any relevant health or human services offices) that would administer the counseling program.
  • Indirect effects: Potential improvements in workplace safety, morale, and staff retention; potential impact on facility operations and inmate-staff interactions.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Introduced and referred to the Correction Committee on April 22, 2025.
  • The reference to a duplicate “REFERRED TO CORRECTION” action appears in the provided record, indicating formal committee referral as the next procedural step.
  • Status suggests the bill is in early stages, with potential committee hearings, amendments, and floor consideration to follow.

Legislative Context

  • Companion/Related Legislation: S 8061 is listed as a companion bill in the Senate, indicating parallel consideration of similar text in the companion chamber.

Potential Impacts

  • Positive: Improved access to mental health resources for corrections staff; potential reductions in burnout, stress-related health issues, and turnover; enhanced safety and workplace morale.
  • Operational: Possible changes to staff support programs, reporting obligations, and funding requirements for implementation.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor the bill’s progress through the Correction Committee for any hearings, amendments, or changes to scope.
  • Review the Senate companion (S 8061) for parallel developments and potential convergence or differences between chambers.
  • Await the full bill text for detailed provisions, including provider qualifications, funding, confidentiality protections, and implementation timelines.

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

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