HB 436 – Support Law Enforcement Mental Health

Primary House Sponsors: Rep. Kristin Baker, MD (R-Cabarrus); Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland); Rep. Howard Hunter, III (D-Gates, Hertford, Pasquotank)

Summary

This bill:

  • Requires the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission to administer a psychological screening examination prior to certification or employment to determine an officer’s mental and emotional suitability to properly fulfill the responsibilities of an officer.
  • Adds education and training to develop knowledge and increase awareness of effective mental health and wellness strategies for criminal justice officers to the required minimum educational and training standards that must be met in order to qualify for entry level employment and retention as a criminal justice officer.
  • Adds training to develop knowledge and increase awareness of effective mental health and wellness strategies for criminal justice officers to the minimum standards for in-service training for criminal justice officers.
  • Encourages the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the NC Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission to adopt standards that provide training conducted by mental health professional and through in-person instruction when developing requires standards and training.
  • Requires both Commissions to regularly provide information on any statewide mental health resources specifically available to criminal justice officers or justice officers to all criminal justice agencies or departments in the State that employ officers certified by either Commission.
  • Requires criminal justice agencies or departments in the State that employ criminal justice officers certified by either Commission to coordinate with the appropriate LME/MCO or prepaid health plan to make information on State and local mental health resources and programs easily available to all employees.

Movement

Filed – 3/29/2021