New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3013

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires police training for interactions with persons who may have behavioral health issues.

Impact

This bill represents a significant step toward improving crisis response by law enforcement, with the potential to alter state laws governing police conduct and training protocols. By requiring specific training related to behavioral health, the bill aims to create a more informed police force that can handle such cases with compassion and appropriate skill. This could lead to reduced incidents of unnecessary force and increased cooperation with individuals facing mental health challenges, ultimately fostering safer community interactions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3013 mandates the establishment of a training program for police officers focused on interactions with individuals who may have behavioral health issues. This legislation aims to enhance police understanding and response to individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance use disorders. The training curriculum will be developed collaboratively between the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Department of Human Services, emphasizing recognition, intervention, and de-escalation techniques critical for effective police interactions with this vulnerable population.

Contention

While the bill has notable support for its intention to provide better training for law enforcement, there are concerns regarding its implementation and the resources required. Critics may argue that without sufficient funding and resources, the training may not be effective or uniform across jurisdictions. Additionally, discussions around the adequacy of the proposed curriculum to address all facets of behavioral health issues may arise, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of training practices to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Companion Bills

NJ A1088

Carry Over Requires police training for interactions with persons who may have behavioral health issues.

Previously Filed As

NJ AB1013

Peace officer training: behavioral health.

NJ S3915

Requires nursing homes to provide training to staff in behavioral health issues.

NJ A417

Requires nursing homes to provide training to staff in behavioral health issues.

NJ S08059

Establishes a blue envelope program for persons with mental health disorders, behavioral disorders and persons who are neurodivergent to be provided with blue envelopes to keep their identification, vehicle registration, and other related documents to improve their safety during law enforcement interactions; requires the municipal police training council to promulgate rules and regulations requiring training and instruction for all police officers with respect to the blue envelope program.

NJ S1741

Relative to police interactions with persons on the autism spectrum

NJ H2686

Relative to police interactions with persons on the autism spectrum

NJ A08719

Establishes a blue envelope program for persons with mental health disorders, behavioral disorders and persons who are neurodivergent to be provided with blue envelopes to keep their identification, vehicle registration, and other related documents to improve their safety during law enforcement interactions; requires the municipal police training council to promulgate rules and regulations requiring training and instruction for all police officers with respect to the blue envelope program.

NJ SB3697

POLICE TRAINING-HATE CRIMES

NJ HB2929

Relating to training for peace officers on interacting with persons with autism spectrum disorder.

NJ S4071

Requires DLPS to establish and make available to law enforcement agencies training materials concerning interactions with hearing impaired; requires annual training for law enforcement and contracting with qualified interpreters.

Similar Bills

RI H5635

Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.

RI S0790

Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.

WV HB2175

Relating to the regulation of behavioral health centers

MO HB1964

Modifies provisions relating to the practice of applied behavior analysis

MI SB0928

Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26

MI HB5291

Health occupations: health professionals; limited license for certain individuals engaging in the practice of applied behavior analysis; provide for. Amends secs. 16343a, 18253 & 18257 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16343a et seq.).

AZ HB2348

Behavioral health services; insurance coverage

AZ HB2559

behavioral health services; insurance coverage