CT SB00278

Prohibits municipalities and state agencies from discharging, disciplining, or penalizing police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel for seeking or receiving mental health care services, effective from passage.

Allows police officers to temporarily return their firearm to their employer during mental health care treatment without penalty, with the firearm returned when a licensed mental health provider determines they are ready to return to duty.

Requires the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to develop and maintain a list of at least 30 licensed mental health care providers trained in treating police officers and post-traumatic stress disorder by July 1, 2018.

Mandates all municipal police departments adopt written critical incident and peer support policies by August 1, 2019, consistent with International Association of Chiefs of Police guidelines, and refer officers to qualified mental health providers.

Requires the Division of State Police and Police Officer Standards and Training Council to provide mental health care, wellness training, and crisis intervention training to police officers hired on or after October 1, 2018, and establishes a confidential suicide tracking list for current and former police officers.