H.B. No. 1896 proposes an amendment to Section 614.015 of the Government Code, establishing a mental health leave policy specifically for public safety employees, which includes peace officers, firefighters, detention officers, county jailers, and emergency medical services employees. The bill expands the definition of eligible employees and mandates that each entity employing these public safety personnel develop and adopt a mental health leave policy for those who experience traumatic events in the course of their duties.

The new policy must include clear guidelines for granting mental health leave, ensure that employees can take leave without salary deductions, specify the number of leave days available, and outline the level of anonymity for employees taking such leave. Additionally, the policy may provide a list of mental health services available to public safety employees. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 614.015 (Government Code 614)
House Committee Report: Government Code 614.015 (Government Code 614)
Engrossed: Government Code 614.015 (Government Code 614)