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 program aims to provide essential post-traumatic debriefing and counseling services for individuals involved in incidents that may lead to psychological distress. The bill expands eligibility for these services to include volunteer firefighters and 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers, and it stipulates that the services must be independent from any law enforcement or firefighting agency. Additionally, the bill ensures that counties will be reimbursed by the state for the costs incurred in establishing these programs.

Key provisions of the bill include the prohibition of employers requiring officers or firefighters to use accrued leave when attending counseling sessions, and the requirement that if a provider determines an officer or firefighter is unfit for duty, they will not lose pay or benefits for up to 30 days under certain conditions. The bill also outlines the number of counseling sessions available—up to 12 initially, with the possibility of an additional 24 if deemed necessary. Furthermore, it establishes a county crisis intervention services advisory council to oversee the program and mandates annual data reporting to the Department of Community Affairs to track participation and outcomes.

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