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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
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HB4129: DPS; mental health; wellness; appropriation
Sponsor: Representative Blackman, LD 7
Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Overview
Establishes a statewide law enforcement officer mental health and wellness program within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and appropriates $15 million from the state general fund (GF) to DPS in fiscal year (FY) 2027 for the program.
History
The U.S. Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) of 2017 directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to submit a report to Congress on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs mental health practices and services that could be adopted by law enforcement agencies. LEMHWA also expanded the use of grant funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services program to include establishing peer mentoring mental health and wellness pilot programs within state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies. Additionally, LEMHWA directed DOJ to research and review existing mental health resources, examine the mental health and wellness needs of federal officers and ensure the privacy of officers participating in programs under the act were being protected (P.L. 115-113; 131 Stat. 2276).
Provisions
Program Establishment
1. Directs DPS, in consultation with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), to establish a statewide law enforcement officer mental health and wellness program (program) that provides access to specified health and counseling services to law enforcement officers. (Sec. 1)
2. Mandates any support communication provided during a support counseling session to remain confidential. (Sec. 1)
3. Authorizes DPS to accept and use federal monies, grants, gifts, donations and any funding available under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 for the program. (Sec. 1)
4. Requires DPS to establish written policies and procedures for the program. (Sec. 1)
5. Asserts the confidentiality of all proceedings, records, opinions conclusions and recommendations that arise from any aspect of the program. (Sec. 1)
6. Prioritizes providing support to law enforcement agencies in Arizona with 200 or fewer sworn law enforcement officers. (Sec. 1)
7. Directs DPS to submit an annual report to the Legislature beginning December 31, 2027, with the number of law enforcement officers in the program and any recommendations regarding program improvements. (Sec. 1)
Miscellaneous
8. Appropriates $15 million from the state GF to DPS in FY 2027 for the program and exempts the appropriation from lapsing. (Sec. 2)
9. Requires $5 million of the appropriation to be used for program implementation at law enforcement agencies with 200 or fewer sworn law enforcement officers. (Sec. 2)
10. Defines law enforcement agency to mean a municipal police department, a county sheriff's office, a publicly funded law enforcement department and the Department of Public Safety. (Sec. 1)
11. Contains a legislative intent clause. (Sec. 3)
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15. Initials NM/AI HB 4129
16. 2/11/2026 Page 0 Public Safety & Law Enforcement
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