Today a bill introduced by U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act, unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The bill provides grant funding for law enforcement family-support services and establishes suicide-prevention programs and mental health services for law enforcement officers.
The senators first introduced the STOIC Act in 2019, and it was signed into law later that year. Earlier this month, they introduced a bill to reauthorize the program before it expires. Passing committee is the first step toward securing reauthorization.
“There’s no better way to honor National Police Week than by having the backs of those who have ours,” said Senator Hawley. “The STOIC Act reaffirms our commitment to law enforcement at a time when they need support and life-saving resources more than ever. I’m grateful my colleagues have joined me and Senator Whitehouse in standing with our men and women in blue.”
Full text can be found here.