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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to mental health resources for law enforcement agencies. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 1001, Health and Safety Code, is amended |
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by adding Subchapter M to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER M. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT |
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Sec. 1001.301. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
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(1) "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of the |
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state or an agency of a political subdivision of the state |
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authorized by law to employ a law enforcement officer. |
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(2) "Law enforcement officer" means a person |
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identified as a peace officer under Article 2.12(1), (2), (3), or |
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(4), Code of Criminal Procedure. |
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Sec. 1001.302. RESOURCES. (a) The executive commissioner |
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may develop resources to provide to the heads of law enforcement |
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agencies to assist in addressing mental health issues experienced |
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by a law enforcement officer. |
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(b) The materials developed under Subsection (a) may |
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include: |
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(1) resources to assist the head of a law enforcement |
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agency in identifying a law enforcement officer who would benefit |
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from mental health services; |
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(2) methods to reduce the stigma associated with a law |
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enforcement officer experiencing mental health issues; and |
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(3) local resources to assist the head of a law |
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enforcement agency in locating and contacting a licensed mental |
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health professional. |
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(c) The executive commissioner may post the resources on the |
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commission's Internet website. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |