This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding traumatic event counseling for public safety employees in Arizona. Specifically, it would remove the delayed repeal date of January 1, 2027 and eliminate the repeal provisions for traumatic event counseling, thereby making these services permanent. Additionally, the definition of public safety employee would be expanded to include crime scene technicians and digital forensics technicians, ensuring that these professionals also have access to the counseling services currently available to peace officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers. Furthermore, the bill would repeal previous laws that set the repeal dates for these counseling services, specifically Laws 2016, chapter 240, section 2 and Laws 2018, chapter 259, section 3, as amended by Laws 2022, chapter 377. The changes aim to provide ongoing support for public safety employees who experience traumatic events while on duty, ensuring they have access to necessary mental health resources without the threat of expiration.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 38-672