The bill establishes a framework for mental health support specifically for corrections officers in Iowa. It mandates the Department of Corrections to hire a mental health liaison for each institution, with the possibility of one liaison covering multiple facilities. The responsibilities of the liaison include coordinating efforts between correctional facilities and local mental health providers, ensuring program compliance, and overseeing an outreach team. Additionally, the bill requires the development and administration of an annual mental health screening survey to identify severe mental illnesses among corrections officers, as well as the establishment of an outreach team to facilitate referrals to mental health care providers.

To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $400,000 from the state’s general fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to cover the costs associated with hiring mental health liaisons, including salaries and operational expenses. The outreach team will consist of mental health professionals and facility staff, and the bill also mandates that each corrections officer receive at least one paid confidential counseling session annually with a licensed mental health professional. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the mental well-being of corrections officers, reduce turnover, and foster a healthier work environment.