Signed by Governor Spencer Cox

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates $1 million to substance abuse and mental health resources.

Highlights:

• Defines first responder as (Sec.1): 

• A law enforcement officer; 

• An emergency medical technician;

• An advanced emergency medical technician;

• A paramedic;

• A firefighter;

• A dispatcher; or 

• A correctional officer.

• Defines mental health resources as (Sec. 1):

• an assessment to determine appropriate mental health treatment that is performed by a mental health therapist;

• outpatient mental health treatment provided by a mental health therapist; or

• peer support services provided by a peer support specialist who is qualified to provide peer support services.

• Appropriates $1 million to the Department of Human Services for the administration of mental health services to first responders for the year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022 (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that grants from the appropriation shall go to agencies that implement projects to increase accessibility to mental health services for first responders (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text