Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation establishes the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to be overseen by the Chief Medical Officer. The program's core purpose is to provide a comprehensive approach to address the mental health and wellness of DHS law enforcement agents and officers, focusing on suicide prevention and resiliency. Key activities include establishing evidence-based policies, collecting data on mental health and suicides, tracking current trends, evaluating existing mental health programs, and promoting education and training on mental health awareness, resilience, and stigma reduction. The Program is tasked with establishing a Peer-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council to evaluate and improve component peer support programs, identify gaps, and facilitate the sharing of best practices and trained personnel. It will also assist DHS components in developing support and training for families of law enforcement agents and surviving families of officers who have died by suicide. Furthermore, the bill requires DHS components to prioritize and enhance their mental health and wellness programs by allocating adequate resources, fostering a culture that reduces the stigma of seeking help, offering diverse avenues for mental health assistance, and implementing safeguards against adverse actions for employees seeking psychological counseling. All participation in programs, surveys, and data collection is voluntary and subject to strict confidentiality, with regular briefings to Congress on the program's implementation.
DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act
USA119th CongressS-2645| Senate
| Updated: 8/1/2025
This legislation establishes the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to be overseen by the Chief Medical Officer. The program's core purpose is to provide a comprehensive approach to address the mental health and wellness of DHS law enforcement agents and officers, focusing on suicide prevention and resiliency. Key activities include establishing evidence-based policies, collecting data on mental health and suicides, tracking current trends, evaluating existing mental health programs, and promoting education and training on mental health awareness, resilience, and stigma reduction. The Program is tasked with establishing a Peer-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council to evaluate and improve component peer support programs, identify gaps, and facilitate the sharing of best practices and trained personnel. It will also assist DHS components in developing support and training for families of law enforcement agents and surviving families of officers who have died by suicide. Furthermore, the bill requires DHS components to prioritize and enhance their mental health and wellness programs by allocating adequate resources, fostering a culture that reduces the stigma of seeking help, offering diverse avenues for mental health assistance, and implementing safeguards against adverse actions for employees seeking psychological counseling. All participation in programs, surveys, and data collection is voluntary and subject to strict confidentiality, with regular briefings to Congress on the program's implementation.