Amendment #196 to H3600

Study of PSTD in Law Enforcement Officers

Mr. Durant of Spencer moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

"SECTION XXXX.  There shall be a special commission established pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws to study and investigate post traumatic stress disorder in law enforcement officers. The commission shall consist of 2 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be nominated by the minority leader, 2 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be nominated by the minority leader, the commissioner of public safety or a designee, the colonel of the state police or a designee, the secretary of health and human services or a designee, the commissioner of mental health and 3 members to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Incorporated. The members of the commission may elect a member to serve as chair. As part of its study and investigation, the commission shall review causes of post traumatic stress disorder among police officers in the commonwealth, and identify the estimated prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder among police officers in the commonwealth. The commission shall identify and analyze methods, practices and programs, including those in other states, to prevent and treat post traumatic stress disorder in police officers. The commission shall make recommendations for which methods, practices and programs, including existing programs in the commonwealth, are most effective in preventing and treating post traumatic stress disorder in police officers.  The commission shall issue its recommendations prior to June 30, 2018"