HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6570

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to law enforcement officer mental health and wellness.

Brief Description: Concerning law enforcement officer mental health and wellness.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators King, Saldaña, Wagoner, Lovelett and Wilson, C.).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/27/20 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by Committee)

  • Establishes a task force on law enforcement officer mental health and wellness.

  • Authorizes pilot projects to support behavioral health improvement and suicide prevention efforts for law enforcement officers.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Chambers, Chopp, Davis, DeBolt, Harris, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Stonier, Thai and Tharinger.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The federal Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 requires the United States Department of Justice to study and make recommendations on law enforcement mental health, including recommendations on:

The resulting report from the United States Department of Justice made a variety of recommendations, including:

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Summary of Amended Bill:

Law Enforcement Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention Pilot Projects.

Subject to appropriated amounts (not to exceed $300,000 per fiscal year), the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) must establish three pilot projects to support behavioral health improvement and suicide prevention efforts for law enforcement officers. Law enforcement associations and agencies are eligible to compete for grant funding beginning September 1, 2020. Activities eligible for grant funding include public information and wellness promotion campaigns, embedded mental health professionals, peer support programs, resiliency training programs, and critical incident stress management programs. Grantees must submit a report on the results of their programs by October 1, 2021.

Task Force on Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness.

The Department of Health (DOH) must convene a Task Force on Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness (Task Force) consisting of the following members:

The Task Force must meet at least quarterly and must review the following:

The Task Force must report its findings to the Governor and the relevant committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2021. The report must include:

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:

The amended bill adds the Director of the Health Care Authority or his or her designee to the Task Force on Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill continues the good work the state has already done for first responders. The Task Force on Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness (Task Force) will help gather data on the unique needs of law enforcement officers and how to better support their mental health. Law enforcement officers face unique stressors and often witness traumatic events. When law enforcement officers witness a tragedy, they can sometimes be treated insensitively, when they should be given professional help. The stigma of mental health remains, which leads to suffering and compromised lives. Law enforcement officers have higher rates of suicides. The state should do whatever it can to support law enforcement officers and their families. This bill will help address mental health issues, offer solutions, and remove stigma. This bill will make us a leader in supporting law enforcement. Families should be added to the Task Force.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Teresa Taylor, Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs; James McMahan, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs; Seth Dawson, Washington State Psychiatric Association and Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention; Michael Transue, Washington Fraternal Order of Police; and Catherine Johnston.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.