The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) to reauthorize grants to support law enforcement and their families.
The senators first introduced the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act in 2019, and it was signed into law later that year. Since then, the senators have pushed for reauthorization of the STOIC Act to ensure those who put themselves in the lines of danger for us are cared for and have the mental health resources they need.
“I am proud to fight for resources for those who fight for us every day. So many times, these folks who answer the call of duty experience trauma that affects their lives and those of their families. In these circumstances, the least we can do is make resources available to help them get back on their feet. That’s what this bill would do,” said Senator Hawley.
“Police officers serve on the frontlines every day helping Rhode Islanders through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their service comes with a heavy emotional toll,” said Whitehouse, a former Rhode Island Attorney General and U.S. Attorney. “I am very pleased that our bipartisan STOIC Act has been reauthorized and will continue putting more mental health resources into communities to support law enforcement.”
Full bill text can be found here.