PROTECT 911 Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2937
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-17: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-10T09:06:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The PROTECT 911 Act (H.R. 2937) aims to enhance the mental health support for public safety telecommunicators—individuals who handle 911 emergency calls—by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop resources and fund programs focused on detecting, preventing, and treating job-related mental health issues, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Key Provisions
- Development of Best Practices (Section 2(a)): HHS must create and publicly share evidence-based guidelines for identifying, preventing, and treating PTSD and related conditions in public safety telecommunicators. These guidelines must be reviewed and updated periodically as needed.
- Educational Resources for Mental Health Professionals (Section 2(b)): HHS must produce and make available materials to train mental health experts on the unique aspects of emergency call centers, including the workplace culture, specific job stressors, challenges for retired workers, and proven therapies for common mental health problems.
- Consultation Requirements (Section 2(c)): In creating these resources, HHS must seek input from public health experts, mental health specialists (especially those focused on suicide, PTSD, and stress-related illnesses), clinicians experienced in mental health diagnosis and treatment, and national nonprofit groups representing public safety telecommunicators.
- Grant Program for Wellness Programs (Section 3): Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a new grant program. HHS will award funds to state, local, or regional emergency communications centers and qualified nonprofits to:
- Set up or improve evidence-based behavioral health programs that raise awareness, prevent, and address job-related mental health issues.
- Create or expand peer-support programs, where trained telecommunicators act as counselors for their peers.
- Purchase training materials or hire instructors.
- Share information and resources to support these programs.
- Definitions:
- Emergency communications center: A facility that receives 911 calls and handles tasks like processing requests, dispatching responders, sharing information with other centers, analyzing responder communications, and supporting incident management.
- Public safety telecommunicator: Refers to the occupational category (code 43-5031) for 911 dispatchers and similar roles, as defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new section (320C) to Part B of Title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243 et seq.), creating the first federal grant program specifically for mental health and wellness in emergency communications centers.
- No alterations to prior laws beyond this addition; it builds on existing public health frameworks by targeting a specific workforce.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: HHS gains new responsibilities for resource development and grant administration, potentially increasing workload and budget needs but promoting coordinated federal support for public safety mental health.
- On Citizens: Improves the well-being of 911 operators, which could lead to more reliable emergency response services, indirectly benefiting the public during crises. May reduce long-term societal costs from untreated mental health issues, such as higher suicide rates or workforce shortages in emergency services.
- On International Relations: No direct impact; the bill is focused on domestic public health and emergency services.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public Safety Telecommunicators: Primary beneficiaries, gaining access to better mental health resources, training, and peer support to address occupational stress.
- Emergency Communications Centers: Eligible for grants to implement wellness programs, potentially improving staff retention and performance.
- Health and Human Services (HHS): Responsible for leading implementation, consulting with experts, and distributing grants.
- Mental Health Professionals and Experts: Involved in consultations and will use new educational resources to better serve this group.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Groups focused on 911 workers' health (e.g., state or national associations) can apply for grants and contribute to development.
- Retired Telecommunicators: Indirectly supported through resources addressing post-retirement challenges.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes enforceable federal standards for mental health support in a high-stress public sector role, potentially setting precedents for similar occupational health mandates. Relies on HHS's existing authority under the Public Health Service Act, with no new regulatory burdens on private entities.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the federal government's role in promoting public health and welfare (General Welfare Clause); no apparent conflicts with states' rights, as grants are voluntary and collaborative with state/local entities.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan concern for first-responder mental health (introduced by a diverse group of representatives), potentially influencing future labor and public safety policies. Could encourage broader discussions on workplace mental health without partisan controversy, focusing on evidence-based, non-controversial interventions like peer support and training.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-17: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-04-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma in 911 Act — issued 2025-04-17 — PDF (7 pages)