TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC EMPLOYER TO OFFER AND PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR LICENSED COUNSELING FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED A TRAUMATIC EVENT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

HB 1505 requires public employers in Arkansas to provide coverage for licensed counseling services to public safety employees (such as police, firefighters, and emergency responders) who experience a traumatic event while on duty. This bill directly affects public safety workers by mandating employer-provided mental health support following traumatic incidents. It renews a requirement that expired under previous law (Acts 2023, No. 537) and declares an emergency to ensure immediate implementation upon the governor’s approval. The law aims to support public safety employees’ mental health, which the legislature states is essential for maintaining public safety and emergency response effectiveness.