The proposed bill, known as the Craig Tiger Act, mandates that each county in New Jersey establish crisis intervention services programs specifically for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers. This legislation expands the eligibility for debriefing and counseling services to include not only county and municipal law enforcement personnel but also state law enforcement officers, volunteer firefighters, and 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers. The bill defines critical incidents more broadly, encompassing various traumatic events that may affect the mental health of these first responders. Additionally, it prohibits employers from requiring these personnel to use accrued leave when attending counseling sessions and ensures that they do not lose pay or benefits if deemed unfit for duty while receiving services.

The bill also stipulates that the crisis intervention services program must be an independent agency within county government, separate from any law enforcement or firefighting units. It provides for up to 12 counseling sessions, with the possibility of an additional 24 sessions if deemed necessary by the service provider. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a county crisis intervention services advisory council to oversee the program and requires annual data reporting to the Department of Community Affairs. To support the financial burden of these programs, the state will reimburse counties for the costs incurred in establishing and maintaining these services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:14-195, 40A:14-196, 40A:14-197, 40A:14-198