TBI and PTSD Training Act (H.R. 2992)

Summary

Directs the government to create training tools to help police and other first responders better interact with people who have brain injuries or PTSD.

What problem does this solve?

First responders may mistake the signs of a traumatic brain injury or PTSD for drug or alcohol use, leading to bad situations. This law creates special training to help them correctly identify these conditions and respond safely.

What does this law do?

Develops new training tools

Directs the Attorney General to create crisis intervention training tools for first responders on how to interact with people who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Authorizes funding for justice programs

Approves $54 million for each fiscal year from 2023 through 2027 for the Department of Justice to carry out these and other related programs.

Requires a study on first responders' health

Orders a study on how often concussions and brain injuries happen to first responders themselves and asks for ideas on resources to help them.

Makes training widely available

Ensures the new training tools are used at a Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Site and are included in the national Police-Mental Health Collaboration Toolkit.

Specifies training content

Requires the training to include information on the symptoms of TBI and PTSD, techniques for interacting with people who have them, and how to recognize the signs.

Who does this affect?

First responders
Individuals with TBI or PTSD
Veterans

What is the real world impact?

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Improves safety for everyone

Provides first responders with the skills to recognize and de-escalate situations involving individuals with TBI or PTSD, which can prevent misunderstandings that might lead to violence or arrests. This protects both the public and the officers.

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Supports veterans

Recognizes that many veterans suffer from TBI and PTSD from their service. The training helps ensure that veterans receive understanding and appropriate help, rather than being treated as criminals, during a crisis.

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Standardizes crisis response

Creates a consistent set of training tools that can be used nationwide. This ensures that no matter where an incident occurs, first responders have access to the same high-quality information for handling mental and behavioral health crises.

When does this start?

This law sets different deadlines for creating training tools and completing a study.

Training tool development

The Attorney General must develop the crisis intervention training tools within one year of the law's enactment.

Study on first responders

A report on the prevalence of concussions among first responders must be submitted to Congress within 24 months of the law's enactment.