H.B. No. 4175 proposes the adoption of a mental health leave policy for certain qualified employees, specifically targeting peace officers, jailers, telecommunicators, and parole officers. The bill amends Section 614.015 of the Government Code to broaden the definition of "qualified employees" and "qualified agencies," allowing for a more inclusive approach to mental health leave. The legislation mandates that each qualified agency develop a policy that provides guidelines for mental health leave, ensuring that employees can take leave without salary deductions and detailing the number of leave days available.

The bill outlines specific requirements for the mental health leave policy, including clear guidelines for when leave can be granted, the entitlement to leave without compensation deductions, and the level of anonymity for employees taking leave. Additionally, it allows agencies to provide a list of available mental health services. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and requires agencies to adopt the new policy as soon as practicable after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 614.015 (Government Code 614)