Bill > HB1998

This bill creates the James McFerron Mental Health, Wellness, and Resiliency Act, which aims to improve mental health support for first responders across Arkansas. The legislation establishes a comprehensive approach to addressing the mental health challenges faced by first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, dispatchers, and correctional facility employees. The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to develop and provide training programs for certified peer support members, who are first responders, retired first responders, or chaplains trained to provide emotional and moral support to their colleagues. The department will establish a statewide peer-to-peer support network of volunteers, designate a network coordinator, and ensure that mental health resources, leadership training, wellness programs, and critical incident stress management services are accessible to first responders in every region of the state. The legislation recognizes the significant impact of mental health conditions on first responders and their communities, and seeks to create a coordinated effort to improve mental health, leadership, and resiliency among state, county, and local agencies. The Department of Public Safety will be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislative Council detailing the implementation and outcomes of these mental health support initiatives.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1998&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R