Us Congress House Bill HB9929

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/4/24
• Refer: 10/4/24

Caption

Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2024

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the state laws governing the mental health infrastructure surrounding correctional facilities. By allocating substantial financial resources—ranging from $50 million in the first fiscal year to $70 million by 2029—HB9929 underscores the importance of mental health support in correctional settings. It mandates that states and localities hire mental health liaison staff to oversee the program implementation, ensuring a direct link between corrections officers and mental health services, potentially reducing the incidence of mental health crises among these personnel.

Summary

House Bill 9929, cited as the 'Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2024', aims to provide funding for mental health screenings and referrals for corrections officers. The bill mandates the establishment of a grant program by the Attorney General within 90 days of enactment, which allows for mental health screenings in eligible detention centers. This approach intends to address and improve the mental health resources available to corrections officers, a demographic that faces unique mental health challenges due to the nature of their work.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the adequacy of funding and the effectiveness of implementation strategies at different levels of government. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the sufficiency of the proposed funding when addressing the comprehensive mental health needs of corrections officers. Moreover, the bill's requirements for state and local compliance could lead to disparities in the quality of mental health services available to officers depending on locality resources and commitment. Lastly, the bill's focus on mental health has the potential to evoke discussions on broader mental health reforms within the justice system.