First Responder Health Amendments

The total one-time appropriation for the Mental Health Resources for First Responders Account was reduced from $800,000 to $669,700, and the detailed breakdown of fund transfers was simplified.

The sunset date for the Mental Health Resources for First Responders Restricted Account was removed, allowing the account to continue indefinitely rather than expiring on July 1, 2032.

The department was given the option to conduct surveys to verify agency compliance with mental health resource requirements instead of mandating a specific reporting method.

The department was authorized to use account funds for administrative support related to providing mental health services, in addition to direct service provision.

The definition of 'separated' for first responders was clarified to exclude separations resulting from misconduct or disciplinary actions.

The repeal date for Section 53-21-105 (the Restricted Account) was changed from July 1, 2032, to July 1, 2027.

Various formatting errors, such as duplicate words and inconsistent numbering, were corrected throughout the text.

The funding source changed from a general reserve account funded by all agencies to a 'Restricted Account' with an initial $800,000 legislative appropriation and a sunset date of July 1, 2031.

Eligibility for direct mental health services and account contributions was restricted to 'small first responder agencies' defined as having 10 or fewer employees or being primarily volunteer-staffed.

A new section was added requiring the Department of Public Safety to investigate complaints about denied mental health resources and allowing the department to restrict state grant money for agencies found in violation.

New definitions were added to clarify terms like 'designated mental health resources liaison' and 'small first responder agency'.

The bill now includes specific sunset dates for the account and related grants, set to expire on July 1, 2032, and establishes a special effective date of May 6, 2026, for certain provisions.

Provisions requiring all first responder agencies to contribute funds to a general reserve account were removed, replaced by a requirement only for small agencies to contribute to the new restricted account.