Reschenthaler, Dean Introduce Bill to Support Law Enforcement Officers, Improve Mental Health Care

Reschenthaler, Dean Introduce Bill to Support Law Enforcement Officers, Improve Mental Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA) introduced the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act, which reauthorizes the use of COPS grant funding for mental health resources for law enforcement officers. This bipartisan legislation would extend the authorization through 2029.

"Law enforcement officers face unprecedented threats and mental health challenges. We must continue to support these officers and their families who serve and protect our communities," said Rep. Reschenthaler. "In 2019, I partnered with my Pennsylvania colleague, Congresswoman Dean, to get this bill signed into law by President Trump. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation once again, which will help ensure law enforcement officers have access to critical mental health support."

"Every day, our law enforcement shows up in times of emergency and crisis to keep our communities safe - yet these same public servants lack the resources to face the growing mental health crisis in their own field," Rep. Dean said. "I was encouraged that funding for the STOIC Act passed into law during our first term in 2019, and I'm grateful to work with Congressman Reschenthaler once again to enact our bipartisan bill. We must support the well-being of our law enforcement professionals, as they support ours."

Representatives Reschenthaler and Dean first introduced the STOIC Act in 2019, which expanded grant funding for law enforcement family-support services and allowed the funding to be used to establish suicide prevention programs and mental health services. President Trump signed the legislation into law in 2019, but the authorization expired last year.

Law enforcement officers are 54 percent more likely to die by suicide than the average American worker. The STOIC Act will continue to allow the U.S. Department of Justice grant funding to be used for suicide prevention programs and to support officers in times of mental health crisis.

The STOIC Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Senate companion, S. 419, in February 2025.