Indiana Senators supporting law enforcement mental health service bill

Indiana Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young came together to create legislation that would support mental health services for law enforcement.

This bipartisan legislation would help agencies establish or enhance mental health care services for officers.

"The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act" passed the U.S. Senate unanimously Tuesday.

The bill would make grants available to create peer mentoring pilot programs, direct the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to establish resources for mental health providers based on officers' needs and studying the effectiveness of crisis hotlines and annual mental health checks.

Both Senators released statements regarding the bill:

Senator Joe Donnelly: “Passage of this bipartisan legislation is a major step toward supporting the mental health of our law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day to protect communities and families in Indiana and across the country. I am hopeful that the House of Representatives will quickly consider and pass this legislation, so that it becomes law and we can better support the mental health and wellness needs of our law enforcement officers.”

Senator Todd Young: “During National Police Week we honor the men and women in blue who literally answer the call to serve and protect our communities every day. Passage of this bill will help ensure that they have access to the services they need to remain ready to serve. I am grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues in the Senate, I know it has also garnered strong support in the House of Representatives and I hope they will hold a vote on it soon as well.”

The bill must pass in the House before it can go to the President's desk to be signed into law.