VA HB325

Requires the Virginia Department of Fire Programs to develop a standardized, two-hour virtual asynchronous mental health awareness training program for firefighters by December 1, 2026

Mandates training cover signs and symptoms of cumulative stress, depression, anxiety, trauma exposure, compulsive behaviors, and addiction

Requires training to address combating stigmas, responding to aggressive behaviors like domestic violence and harassment, accessing mental health resources, and stress management techniques

Allows individual fire departments to use the standardized state program or develop their own curricula meeting the same requirements, including in collaboration with other departments or stakeholder groups

Removes the previous requirement that firefighters receive continuing education credits from the Department of Fire Programs and Virginia Fire Services Board for completing mental health awareness training