87R11154 EAS-D
By: Hughes S.B. No. 1358
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to mental health resources for law enforcement agencies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 1001, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter M to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER M. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 1001.301. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of the
state or an agency of a political subdivision of the state
authorized by law to employ a law enforcement officer.
(2) "Law enforcement officer" means a person
identified as a peace officer under Article 2.12(1), (2), (3), or
(4), Code of Criminal Procedure.
Sec. 1001.302. RESOURCES. (a) The executive commissioner
may develop resources to provide to the heads of law enforcement
agencies to assist in addressing mental health issues experienced
by a law enforcement officer.
(b) The materials developed under Subsection (a) may
include:
(1) resources to assist the head of a law enforcement
agency in identifying a law enforcement officer who would benefit
from mental health services;
(2) methods to reduce the stigma associated with a law
enforcement officer experiencing mental health issues; and
(3) local resources to assist the head of a law
enforcement agency in locating and contacting a licensed mental
health professional.
(c) The executive commissioner may post the resources on the
commission's Internet website.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.