HB1998
To Create The James Mcferron Mental Health, Wellness, And Resiliency Act; And To Improve Access To Services And Training To First Responders.
Last Action (April 7, 2025): Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE- HOUSE
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1998, titled the 'James McFerron Mental Health, Wellness, and Resiliency Act,' mandates that the Arkansas Department of Public Safety provide mental health, leadership, wellness, and resiliency training and resources to first responders across the state. The bill creates a framework for a peer-to-peer support network composed of certified volunteers, including first responders, retirees, and chaplains. It requires the Department of Public Safety to develop regional training programs and designate a coordinator to oversee the peer-to-peer network to ensure statewide accessibility. The legislation defines first responders to include law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, emergency dispatchers, and correctional facility employees. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety is required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislative Council detailing the activities performed under this act. The primary goal is to mitigate the long-term impact of trauma and stress on first responders through coordinated statewide support.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are active and retired first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, emergency dispatchers, and correctional facility employees. These individuals will benefit from increased access to mental health resources, resiliency training, and peer-to-peer support networks. Additionally, the families of first responders and the communities they serve are indirect beneficiaries, as improved mental health and wellness among emergency personnel can lead to better service outcomes and healthier work environments.
Who Might Suffer?
There are no specific groups or entities explicitly targeted for negative impacts by this legislation. However, the Department of Public Safety may face increased administrative and financial burdens associated with developing, coordinating, and managing the new training programs and the statewide peer-to-peer support network. Consequently, state taxpayers could potentially experience a minor fiscal impact to fund these new mandates.
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