US HB6601

Expands FEMA crisis counseling assistance under the Stafford Act to include emergency response providers (firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement) and public safety telecommunicators responding to major disasters, not just disaster victims

Requires HHS/SAMHSA to establish within 2 years a comprehensive mental health program for first responders, including 24-hour mental health care availability and a dedicated hotline through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Creates a peer support counseling program allowing active and retired first responders to volunteer as trained counselors for mental health outreach and support to colleagues and their families

Establishes competitive grants (maximum $150,000 each) for state, local, tribal, and nonprofit entities to deploy mobile crisis units providing on-site mental health screening, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care to first responders during major disasters

Authorizes $5,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and mandates interagency research on best practices for first responder mental health services and suicide prevention