NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S1843

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1843

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes "New Jersey Fire and EMS Crisis Intervention Services" telephone hotline.

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly enhance the mental health support infrastructure for fire and emergency services personnel in New Jersey. By offering immediate access to crisis intervention services, the hotline aims to address the common psychological stresses faced by these first responders. The bill not only establishes a support mechanism but emphasizes confidentiality, which is crucial for encouraging personnel to seek help without fear of stigma or repercussions.

Summary

Senate Bill S1843 establishes the 'New Jersey Fire and EMS Crisis Intervention Services' telephone hotline to provide round-the-clock support for fire and emergency services personnel facing psychological challenges. The bill mandates that the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs collaborate with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care to set up this toll-free hotline. The hotline will cater to personnel experiencing job-related stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional or psychological challenges stemming from their work.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding S1843 may arise from concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and resources allocated for the hotline operations. Stakeholders in the emergency services sector may express differing views on the implementation aspects, including the training of hotline operators and the follow-up processes for individuals referred for additional counseling. Moreover, as the bill involves data tracking for callers with severe psychological conditions, debates could occur regarding the implications for privacy and the ethical considerations of such tracking practices, as well as how this aligns with existing state laws on mental health services.

Companion Bills

NJ A126

Carry Over Establishes "New Jersey Fire and EMS Crisis Intervention Services" telephone hotline.

Previously Filed As

NJ A126

Establishes "New Jersey Fire and EMS Crisis Intervention Services" telephone hotline.

NJ S1075

Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000.

NJ S4207

Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000.

NJ A3776

Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000.

NJ S3296

Requires counties to establish crisis intervention services programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers.

NJ A4135

Requires counties to establish crisis intervention services programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers.

NJ S4050

Allows follow up communication from operators of telephone number for mental health and suicide crisis resources or 9-8-8 crisis hotline to minors at risk of committing suicide.

NJ S1088

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to establish 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline and develop hotline connection system to ensure that callers are connected to other appropriate hotlines when needed.

NJ A805

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to establish 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline and develop hotline connection system to ensure that callers are connected to other appropriate hotlines when needed.

NJ HB160

An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Services.

Similar Bills

NJ A126

Establishes "New Jersey Fire and EMS Crisis Intervention Services" telephone hotline.

NJ S4207

Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000.

TX HB204

Relating to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools providing panic alert devices in classrooms.

TX HB2009

Relating to measures for school safety in public schools.

NJ A3184

Requires DCF and DOE to provide certain child abuse and neglect services or information remotely or through distance learning mechanisms.

NJ A347

Requires DCF and DOE to provide certain child abuse and neglect services or information remotely or through distance learning mechanisms.

NJ A3776

Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000.

NJ S1075

Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000.