Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 2502

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2025-06-06T08:06:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025 aims to improve how law enforcement and corrections officers handle situations involving people experiencing mental health or substance use crises. It does this by providing federal grants to help agencies train officers, with the goal of enhancing safety for officers, the public, and those in crisis.

Key Provisions

• Findings Section: Highlights statistics showing that mental health issues are common in police calls (e.g., 1 in 10 police responses involve mental illness, 1 in 4 people killed by police have mental health problems) and the growing impact of the opioid crisis. It emphasizes the need for evidence-based training to protect everyone involved.
• Grant Program Authorization:
• The U.S. Attorney General can award grants to state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies (groups that prevent, investigate, or prosecute crimes) and corrections agencies (jail or prison operators).
• Grants cover training costs for officers in responding to behavioral health crises, including situations involving drugs, suicide risks, or mental illness.
• Also funds related travel and lodging expenses.
• Program Requirements:
• Training must be developed with input from healthcare experts and people who have experienced mental health issues.
• Focuses on skills like understanding mental health, building empathy, using community resources, de-escalation techniques (ways to calm tense situations), communication, and practical exercises.
• The Attorney General sets standards for qualifying training programs.
• Application Process: Agencies must submit details on their training plans, officer numbers, past injuries or deaths in crises, and current training levels. Optional info includes recent incidents where better training might have helped and per-officer costs.
• Restrictions and Oversight:
• Grants must add to (not replace) existing agency funds.
• No more than 3% of grant money can go to administrative costs (overhead like paperwork).
• Recipients must report annually on activities, trained officers, and other relevant data; they also keep records for potential audits by the Attorney General.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (a major law funding crime prevention and justice programs):

• Adds a new section reserving up to $10 million per year from existing grant funds specifically for this mental health training program.
• Introduces a dedicated grant program (Section 510) that did not previously exist, expanding federal support for officer training in behavioral health responses.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Law enforcement and corrections agencies gain access to federal funding for specialized training, potentially reducing officer injuries or deaths in crises and improving efficiency in handling calls. The Attorney General's Office of Justice Programs will manage the program, including setting standards and reviewing applications.
• On Citizens: People experiencing mental health or substance use crises may face safer, more effective responses from officers, leading to fewer injuries or deaths. It could also decrease unnecessary police transports to emergency rooms and promote better connections to community mental health resources.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. law enforcement and corrections.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies: State, local, and Tribal groups responsible for policing and incarceration, who apply for and receive grants.
• Officers and Staff: Law enforcement and corrections personnel who receive the training, benefiting from improved skills and safety.
• Individuals in Crisis: People with mental health issues, substance use disorders, or suicidal thoughts, who interact with officers during emergencies.
• General Public and Communities: Broader society gains from safer crisis responses and potentially stronger trust in law enforcement.
• Healthcare and Training Providers: Organizations offering qualifying programs, which must meet federal standards and collaborate with experts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Strengthens federal oversight of grant programs under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act by adding reporting and audit requirements, ensuring accountability without mandating training (grants are voluntary). Funds are subject to congressional appropriations, so implementation depends on budget approvals.
• Constitutional Implications: Aligns with the federal government's role in supporting state and local law enforcement under the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution), which allows Congress to provide funds with conditions. No apparent conflicts with rights like due process or equal protection, as it promotes safer interactions.
• Political Implications: Addresses growing public concerns about police responses to mental health (e.g., reducing use-of-force incidents), potentially bridging divides on criminal justice reform. Bipartisan sponsorship (from Democrats and Republicans) suggests broad appeal, but funding levels could spark debates over federal spending priorities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]

Cosponsors (10)

Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-03-31: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-31: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1359)
• 2025-03-31: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (9 pages)