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HB 536

Public Facilities Authority of the City of Fairburn Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lydia Glaize and 1 co-sponsor

HB 536 establishes a PTSD treatment program for Alabama law enforcement, offering education, financial support, and resources to improve officers' mental health and well-being.

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Bill Summary · HB 536

Summary of HB 536: PTSD Treatment Program for Law Enforcement Officers

Bill Number: HB 536
Title: Law enforcement officers; to establish a PTSD treatment program under the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means General Fund
Introduced: April 08, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Mental Health

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 536 is to establish a comprehensive program aimed at addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among law enforcement officers in Alabama. The bill seeks to provide education, resources, and financial assistance to officers suffering from PTSD, thereby enhancing their mental health support and overall well-being.

Key Provisions

  1. Establishment of a PTSD Treatment Program:

    • The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is mandated to create a program that educates law enforcement officers about PTSD and provides resources for treatment.
    • The program will involve cooperation with county and municipal law enforcement agencies.

  2. Financial Assistance for Treatment:

    • Law enforcement agencies are required to offer financial support to officers for:
      • Cost-sharing obligations related to insurance benefits for PTSD treatment.
      • Reimbursement for mileage incurred while traveling to treatment appointments.
      • Paid leave for time off work to attend PTSD treatment.

  3. Education and Resources:

    • ALEA will develop educational materials on PTSD, including symptoms, coping strategies, and treatment options, which will be periodically reviewed by mental health professionals.
    • A designated liaison within ALEA will assist local agencies with inquiries about PTSD resources and treatment.

  4. Eligibility for Benefits:

    • Officers must experience a qualifying event (e.g., witnessing a traumatic incident) within the past 12 months to claim benefits.
    • Officers must participate in peer support events and obtain certification from a qualified treating physician confirming their PTSD diagnosis.

  5. Insurance Compliance:

    • Employers must ensure that health benefit plans comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, ensuring coverage for PTSD treatment.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill directly impacts law enforcement officers certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, as well as the agencies that employ them.
    • It also affects the mental health professionals involved in diagnosing and treating PTSD.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • Improved mental health support for officers, potentially leading to better job performance and reduced absenteeism.
    • Enhanced awareness and understanding of PTSD within law enforcement agencies.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status:

    • As of April 8, 2025, HB 536 has been read for the first time and is pending committee action in the House of Origin (Ways and Means General Fund).

  • Next Steps:

    • The bill will undergo review and discussion within the committee before potentially moving forward for further legislative action.

This summary provides an overview of HB 536, highlighting its intent to support law enforcement officers dealing with PTSD through education, resources, and financial assistance.

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

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