BILL NUMBER: S9920
SPONSOR: HELMING
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act directing the office of mental health to conduct a study on the
mental health and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among
corrections officers and other prison workers; and providing for the
repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Directs the office of mental health to conduct a study on the mental
health and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among
corrections officers and other prison workers.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. 1. The office of mental health shall conduct a study on the
mental health and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among
corrections officers and other prison workers in the state. 2. Within
one year after the effective date of this act, the office of mental
health shall prepare and submit to the governor, the temporary president
of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, the minority leader of the
senate and the minority leader of the assembly a report containing the
study's findings and recommendations for legislative or administrative
action that can be undertaken in addressing posttraumatic stress disor-
der and other mental health issues among corrections officers and other
prison workers in the state.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Correction officers and prison staff experience high levels of daily
work-related stress due to many factors including long shifts, safety
concerns, and violent activities amongst inmates. These daily traumatic
events can cause chronic mental and physical health issues that if not
dealt with properly may lead to self-medication, destructive behaviors,
or suicide. It has been reported that correction officers experience
PTSD and depression four times the national average and their suicide
rate is thirty-nine percent higher than other professions. To manage
their PTSD, many turn to alcohol, prescription medication and illegal
drugs instead of seeking professional help because of the stigma
surrounding coming forward for mental health support. A comprehensive
study on the mental health and prevalence of PTSD among corrections
officers and prison workers will allow the State to create effective
intervention measures and resources to effectuate a healthy work-life
balance..
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed
repealed two years after such date.