WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three bills to provide safety resources and mental health support for first responders passed the Senate unanimously May 16.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) cosponsored the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act of 2019, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization, and the Debbie Smith Act of 2019. 

A resolution recognizing National Police Week, was also passed unanimously.  The resolution lists all 159 members of law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty in 2018, including Corporal Eugene Cole of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

Background on legislation:

The Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act of 2019 would authorize funding for law enforcement family-support services, as well as permit recipients to establish mental health services such as suicide prevention programs for law enforcement officers.

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program would permanently reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant program, which helps state and local law enforcement agencies purchase lifesaving bulletproof vests for officers working in the field. 

The Debbie Smith Act of 2019 would reauthorize the Debbie Smith Act and give much-needed resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to complete forensic analyses of crime scenes and untested rape kits.