0
0

DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act

12/12/2023, 6:26 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2577

Bill 118 hr 2577, also known as the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act, aims to address the issue of mental health and suicide prevention among law enforcement officers within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill recognizes the unique challenges and stressors that law enforcement officers face in their line of work and seeks to provide them with the necessary resources and support to promote mental well-being and resilience.

The key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a mental health and wellness program within the DHS that will provide training, resources, and support for law enforcement officers. This program will focus on promoting mental health awareness, preventing suicide, and building resilience among officers. Additionally, the bill calls for the development of a peer support program to allow officers to seek help and guidance from their colleagues who have undergone similar experiences.

Furthermore, the bill requires the DHS to conduct a comprehensive study on the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers within the department. This study will assess the prevalence of mental health issues, suicide rates, and the effectiveness of current mental health programs. The findings of this study will inform future efforts to improve mental health support for law enforcement officers. Overall, the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act aims to prioritize the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers within the DHS and provide them with the necessary resources and support to cope with the challenges of their job. By addressing these issues, the bill seeks to reduce the prevalence of mental health issues and suicide among law enforcement officers and promote a culture of resilience and well-being within the department.

Congressional Summary of HR 2577

DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program and establishes additional requirements for related existing programs.

Among other activities, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program shall

  • conduct data collection and research on mental health, suicides, and attempted suicides of DHS law enforcement officers and agents;
  • evaluate current mental health and resiliency programs within DHS components;
  • promote education and training related to mental health, resilience, suicide prevention, stigma, and mental health resources;
  • establish a Peer-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council; and
  • assist DHS components in developing a program to provide suicide prevention and resiliency support and training for families of DHS law enforcement officers and agents and for surviving families of officers and agents who have been lost to suicide.

The bill requires DHS components to prioritize and improve their mental health and wellness programs.

The DHS Workplace Health and Wellness Program must assess the effectiveness of DHS law enforcement health and wellness programs. Each DHS component must report to the program incidents of suicide involving law enforcement officers or agents. The bill sets forth confidentiality limitations on the publication and collection of personally identifiable information.

Current Status of Bill HR 2577

Bill HR 2577 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 13, 2023. Bill HR 2577 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on April 13, 2023.  Bill HR 2577's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 189. as of October 2, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2577

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
30
Democrat Cosponsors
26
Republican Cosponsors
4
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2577

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Advisory bodies
- Congressional oversight
- Department of Homeland Security
- Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
- Government information and archives
- Health information and medical records
- Health promotion and preventive care
- Law enforcement officers
- Mental health
- Performance measurement

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2577

DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act
DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act
DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program, and for other purposes.

Comments