HB2502 Summary

• Establishes a program requiring the state and political subdivisions to provide up to 12 paid counseling visits via licensed mental health professionals for public safety employees exposed to traumatic events while on duty.

• Expands counseling coverage to include peace officers and firefighters experiencing deadly force incidents, witnessing deaths or serious injuries, investigating crimes against children, rescues involving life endangerment, and witnessing death of fellow officers or firefighters.

• Allows up to 24 additional counseling visits if a licensed mental health professional determines they are necessary and occur within one year of the first visit.

• Prohibits employers from requiring employees to use accrued paid leave for counseling visits and mandates up to 30 days of paid leave if an employee is deemed unfit for duty and has exhausted other leave options.

• Requires annual reporting to state agencies on program participation, visit frequency, workers' compensation claims, and fitness-for-duty determinations; section 38-673 is scheduled to repeal on December 31, 2022.