Bills · HR 1902
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1902Health
HERO Act
INTRO MAR 6· LAST ACTION MAR 6
READING
11MIN
COSPONSORS
36
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because public safety officers, including police, firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers, routinely encounter highly stressful and traumatic situations that can severely impact their mental health. Currently, there isn't a comprehensive national system to track suicides within these professions, making it difficult to fully grasp the scope of the issue or pinpoint the most effective prevention strategies. If this bill becomes law, it would establish that much-needed data system, enabling more targeted research and the development of effective mental health support programs.
The bill also provides funding for peer support, which offers a safe and understanding environment for officers to discuss their experiences with colleagues who share similar challenges. This can help reduce the stigma often associated with mental health issues in these professions and encourage more individuals to seek help. Without this bill, the understanding of suicide rates and contributing factors among public safety officers would remain fragmented, and many local departments might continue to struggle to fund crucial mental health initiatives.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a national Public Safety Officer Suicide Reporting System to collect detailed data on suicides among police, firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers.
This creates a much-needed national picture of a critical issue, allowing for data-driven interventions and prevention strategies.
PROVISION 02
Requires the Secretary of HHS to consult with non-Federal experts and ensure strict privacy and anonymity protections for individuals and families in the data collection process.
This ensures the data system is designed ethically and effectively, protecting the confidentiality of those it aims to help.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that HHS submit biannual reports to Congress on suicide incidence among public safety officers, with the full reports made publicly available on the CDC website.
This increases transparency and provides a basis for policymakers and the public to understand and address the issue with current information.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to award grants to fire departments and emergency medical service agencies for establishing or enhancing peer-support behavioral health and wellness programs.
This directly provides financial resources for mental health support programs tailored to the unique needs of emergency responders.
PROVISION 05
Prohibits the use of information from the suicide reporting system to deny or rescind life insurance payments or other benefits to a survivor of a deceased public safety officer.
This protects the families of officers who die by suicide from additional financial hardship.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 36
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
26
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 22%
DEM 32 REP 4 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 6
Introduced in House
MAR 6
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1902
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 6, 2025
Last actionMar 6, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 6, 2025
House BillHR 1902Health
HERO Act
INTRODUCED MAR 6, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 6, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
11 min
COSPONSORS
36
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
