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DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act

3/13/2024, 9:39 PM

Summary of Bill S 1137

Bill 118 s 1137, also known as the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act, is a piece of legislation aimed at addressing the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill seeks to establish a program within the DHS that focuses on suicide prevention and promoting resiliency among law enforcement personnel.

The key provisions of the bill include the development of a comprehensive suicide prevention program that provides training and resources for DHS law enforcement officers to recognize and respond to signs of mental distress and suicidal behavior. The program will also focus on promoting mental health and resiliency through peer support, counseling services, and other wellness initiatives.

Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a reporting system to track incidents of suicide and mental health issues among DHS law enforcement officers. This data will be used to inform future prevention efforts and ensure that officers receive the support they need. Overall, the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act aims to prioritize the mental health and well-being of DHS law enforcement officers, recognizing the unique challenges they face in their line of work. By implementing a comprehensive suicide prevention program and promoting resiliency, the bill seeks to support the mental health needs of these officers and reduce the incidence of suicide within the DHS law enforcement community.

Congressional Summary of S 1137

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 S 1137

Bill S 1137 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 30, 2023. Bill S 1137 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on March 30, 2023.  Bill S 1137's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218. as of October 3, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1137

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1137

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 S 1137

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
A bill to establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program, and for other purposes.

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