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 new definitions for "employer," "fire fighter," "peace officer," and "telecommunicator," and mandates that employers develop a mental health leave policy for their employees who experience traumatic events while performing their duties. The policy must include guidelines for granting leave, ensure no salary deductions during leave, enumerate available leave days, and detail anonymity for those taking leave.

Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for annual mental health evaluations for peace officers and fire fighters, to be conducted by a mental health professional or peer support advisor as part of their performance reviews. Employers must also provide mental health evaluations and counseling opportunities for employees who experience traumatic events. The provisions of the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the mental health leave policy must be developed as soon as practicable after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 1701.405 (Government Code 1701)