The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 7069, aims to enhance the behavioral health assessment requirements for police officers in Connecticut. It mandates that each law enforcement unit's administrative head require officers to undergo periodic behavioral health assessments conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker approved by the officers' union, with assessments occurring at least once every five years. The bill allows for the scheduling of these assessments to ensure that approximately 20% of officers are evaluated annually over a five-year period. Additionally, the administrative head can waive the assessment requirement for officers who have submitted retirement notifications within six months of the scheduled assessment.

The bill also introduces provisions for additional assessments if deemed necessary by the administrative head, who must provide a written justification for such requests. New hires from other law enforcement units may also be required to undergo a behavioral health assessment within six months of their hiring. Importantly, the bill stipulates that the results of these assessments and any related records will not be disclosed under public records laws and will not be included in the officers' medical records. This ensures confidentiality while promoting the mental well-being of law enforcement personnel.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-291e
INS Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-291e
File No. 465: 7-291e
PS Joint Favorable: 7-291e