HB 3895

Abstract

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice shall require their correctional officers to undergo mental health screenings and tests and shall develop rules to monitor and track their interaction with committed persons and to provide for discharge or other assignments for officers who are mentally unable to interact with committed persons. Defines "correctional officer". House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice shall require applicants for hiring as correctional officers to undergo mental health screenings and tests prior to their employment as correctional officers and upon their employment shall develop rules to monitor their interaction with committed persons and to provide for discharge or other assignments for officers who are mentally unable to interact with committed persons. Provides that the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice shall create a staff in crisis committee for correctional officers who have mental health issues as a result of their employment. Defines "correctional officer". Provides that for the Department of Juvenile Justice "correctional officer" refers to direct care staff of juveniles committed to a Department of juvenile Justice facility. Provides that the staff in crisis committee shall be made available for direct care staff who are subject to disciplinary action by the Department of Juvenile Justice. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the bill as engrossed, with the following changes: Further amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department Corrections shall implement a wellness program to provide employees and staff with support to address both professional and personal challenges as they relate to the correctional environment. Provides that the Department shall establish response teams to provide comprehensive support to employees and staff affected by events that are both duty-related and not duty-related and provide training to response team members. Provides that the wellness program shall be accessible to any Department employee, whether full-time or part-time, contractual or temporary staff and approved volunteers. Makes a similar change to a provision concerning employees of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Adds a preamble concerning the policy of the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice regarding employees seeking mental health care.