Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB1321

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the First Responder Mental Health Grant Program Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, there is created within the Department of Human Services a First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program to provide grants to the following recipients: (1) units of local government; (2) law enforcement agencies; (3) fire protection districts; (4) school districts; (5) public or private hospitals; or (6) ambulance services that employ first responders. Creates a First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Fund in the State treasury, which shall be used by the Secretary of Human Services to make grants to eligible recipients. Provides that recipients eligible for grants shall use the grants for expenses related to behavioral health care services for first responders, including, but not limited to, telehealth services. Provides that an employer may not reduce behavioral health care provided through a first responder's employee benefit package as a result of the receipt of grant funds under the Act. Provides that all records, notes, and conclusions by a treatment provider providing behavioral health care to first responders whose employers receive grants under the Act shall not be shared with the employer unless otherwise mandated by law. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Replaces provisions stating that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board has the power and duty to establish statewide standards regarding regular mental health screenings of probationary and permanent police officers with provisions giving the Board the power and duty to establish statewide minimum standards regarding: (1) psychological screenings of recruit officers hired after the standards go into effect and annual psychological screenings of probationary and permanent officers; and (2) regular, confidential mental health counseling for probationary and permanent police officers in addition to the mental health counseling related to an officer's fitness for duty examinations. Lists specific items required to be included in the standards relating to psychological screenings and mental health counseling. Provides that records of psychological screenings and mental health counseling sessions, as well as any portions of documents referencing the psychological screenings or mental health counseling sessions that contain a personally identifiable information of an officer who underwent the screening or counseling session, are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

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