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Bill

Bill

A 1956

Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 8 co-sponsors

Bill A 1956 mandates mental health services in correctional facilities for inmates facing trauma-related issues, ensuring timely care and staff training for better support.

REFERRED TO CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · A 1956

Summary of Bill A 1956

Bill Number: A 1956
Title: Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration
Status: Referred to Correction
Introduced: January 14, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1956 aims to address the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals who experience trauma related to their incarceration. The bill recognizes that incarceration can lead to significant psychological distress and seeks to ensure that adequate mental health services are provided to support the well-being of these individuals.

Key Provisions

  • Mental Health Services Requirement: The bill mandates that correctional facilities implement comprehensive mental health services tailored to the needs of incarcerated individuals suffering from trauma-related mental health issues.

  • Assessment Protocols: Facilities will be required to establish protocols for the regular assessment of inmates' mental health, ensuring that those who exhibit signs of trauma receive timely and appropriate care.

  • Training for Staff: The bill includes provisions for training correctional staff on recognizing and responding to mental health issues, particularly those stemming from trauma related to incarceration.

  • Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Correctional facilities must collaborate with licensed mental health professionals to develop and deliver effective treatment programs.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Incarcerated Individuals: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals currently incarcerated who are experiencing mental health issues due to the trauma of their incarceration.

  • Correctional Facilities: The bill will impact how correctional facilities operate, requiring them to allocate resources and implement new protocols for mental health care.

  • Mental Health Professionals: Licensed mental health professionals will play a crucial role in providing services and training within correctional settings.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 14, 2025, and has been referred to the Correction Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session bills A 10703 and A 6058, which may provide context or background on the ongoing legislative efforts to improve mental health services in correctional facilities.

Conclusion

Bill A 1956 represents a significant step towards improving mental health care for incarcerated individuals, acknowledging the psychological impact of incarceration and the need for targeted support. By mandating mental health services and training, the bill aims to foster a more supportive environment for those affected by trauma in correctional settings.

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

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