Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 825
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-15: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T17:41:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 (S. 825)
Purpose
This legislation directs the Attorney General to develop and report on proposed programs aimed at providing evidence-based mental health treatments and preventative care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder to public safety officers and public safety telecommunicators affected by job-related trauma.
Key Provisions
- Findings: Highlights that public safety officers, including police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and 911 dispatchers, face elevated risks of behavioral health conditions, with estimates of 30% developing such issues compared to 20% in the general population; notes higher suicide risks and limited agency resources for specialized care.
- Definitions: Defines "public safety officer" to include those under existing law plus Tribal officers, and "public safety telecommunicator" as individuals handling emergency communications at 911 centers.
- Report Requirement: Mandates the Attorney General, through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, to submit a report within 150 days covering at least one proposed program for trauma-informed care, peer support, and family services; includes drafts for confidentiality protections in grants, efficient national administration (in-person and telehealth), necessary legislative language, and cost estimates.
- Stakeholder Consultation: Requires input from federal, state, Tribal, territorial, and local agencies, as well as nongovernmental organizations supporting affected individuals and their families.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new requirement for the Department of Justice to propose structured federal support programs, building on but not directly amending the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017.
- Establishes mandatory reporting and program development processes focused on confidentiality and accessibility, without altering current grant authorities or officer definitions.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires the Department of Justice to allocate resources for report development and potential future program administration at federal, state, Tribal, territorial, and local levels.
- Citizens: Expands access to specialized mental health services for public safety personnel, potentially reducing suicide risks and improving workforce retention.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public safety officers and telecommunicators, including those in Tribal communities.
- Federal, state, Tribal, territorial, and local employing agencies.
- Nongovernmental organizations and family members of public safety personnel.
- Mental health professionals and service providers involved in trauma care.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Emphasizes confidentiality safeguards for participants seeking care, which may involve new grant conditions to protect privacy.
- Raises no apparent constitutional concerns but could influence future legislative authorizations for mental health funding.
- Politically, it promotes expanded federal involvement in first responder wellness without mandating immediate program implementation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (19)
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-15: Held at the desk.
- 2026-06-15: Received in the House.
- 2026-06-12: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-06-10: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2723, S2726-2727; text: CR S2726-2727)
- 2026-06-10: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-19: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 411.
- 2026-05-19: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with amendments. Without written report.
- 2026-05-19: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with amendments. Without written report.
- 2026-05-14: Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
- 2025-03-04: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-03-04: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 — issued 2026-06-10 — PDF (8 pages)
- Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-04 — PDF (6 pages)
- Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (8 pages)