A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) that would encourage law enforcement officers to seek mental health resources by creating clear privacy standards will be heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law after receiving approval in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Confidentiality Opportunities for Peer Support (COPS) Counseling Act, S. 1502, was passed by the House on Oct. 27 after receiving Senate approval in June. Rep. Reschenthaler had introduced the House version of the bill, H.R. 3070, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-MD). The Senate bill was introduced by bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
“I am proud the House passed the COPS Counseling Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Rep. Trone that will improve mental health treatment for the law enforcement officers who put their own lives at risk to keep us safe,” Rep. Reschenthaler said.
The legislation will provide privacy protections to officers who participate in peer-to-peer counseling. It also encourages state and local first responder agencies to adopt peer counseling programs by requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to make best practices publicly available on their website and provide a list of training programs for individuals to become peer support mentors, a bill summary from the congressman’s office said.
“This legislation encourages the use of peer support counseling programs and ensures law enforcement can utilize these important mental health resources and know their privacy is protected,” Rep. Reschenthaler said.
Peer support counseling was considered the most helpful mental health resource offered by police departments in a survey by the Fraternal Order of Police.
“I urge the president to swiftly sign this bill into law so our nation’s police officers can access the mental health and wellness services they need,” Rep. Reschenthaler said.