H.B. No. 3420 aims to enhance mental health policies and services for peace officers, fire fighters, and telecommunicators in Texas. The bill amends the heading of Subchapter A-1, Chapter 614 of the Government Code to include "MENTAL HEALTH OF PEACE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND TELECOMMUNICATORS," replacing the previous reference to "LEAVE." It introduces a new section, 614.014, which defines key terms such as "Employer," "Fire fighter," "Peace officer," and "Telecommunicator." Additionally, it revises Section 614.015 to mandate that employers develop and adopt a mental health leave policy for their peace officers, fire fighters, and telecommunicators who experience traumatic events while performing their duties.

The bill specifies that the mental health leave policy must include clear guidelines for granting leave, ensure no salary deductions during the leave, enumerate the number of leave days available, and detail the anonymity of those taking leave. It also allows for the inclusion of a list of mental health services available to these personnel. Employers are required to implement this policy as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 1701.405 (Government Code 1701)
House Committee Report: Government Code 1701.405 (Government Code 1701)
Engrossed: Government Code 1701.405 (Government Code 1701)