H.R. 2305: Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2025

The Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2025 aims to provide funding and resources for mental health support specifically for corrections officers. The bill establishes a grant program managed by the Attorney General that will allow states and local governments to implement mental health screenings for corrections officers in eligible detention centers. Here’s how the bill is structured and what it proposes:

Grant Program Establishment

Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the Attorney General will create a grant program to distribute funds to states and local governments to:

• Conduct mental health screenings for corrections officers.
• Refer those needing help to appropriate mental health care providers.

Application Process

Entities wishing to apply for these grants must submit an application that includes:

• A detailed project description and plan for mental health screenings.
• An assurance to hire a mental health liaison to coordinate between detention centers and mental health providers.

Eligible Projects for Funding

Grants can be used for the following activities:

• Developing and administering a mental health screening survey.
• Creating technology needed to conduct these surveys.
• Hiring staff to implement screening programs.
• Establishing outreach teams to connect officers with mental health services when severe issues are detected.
• Paying for outreach team staff salaries and associated costs.

Mental Health Screening Survey

The screening survey is to:

• Consist of 5 to 10 questions based on established mental health screening standards.
• Identify severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and major depression.
• Ensure anonymity and confidentiality for respondents.

Outreach Teams

Outreach teams will comprise mental health professionals and detention center staff, responsible for:

• Responding to officers needing mental health referrals.
• Coordinating access to mental health care.

Bureau of Prisons Responsibilities

The Bureau of Prisons will also implement similar mental health screening programs for its officers within 90 days of the bill’s enactment. This includes establishing outreach teams to facilitate referrals for mental health care.

Advisory Board Establishment

An Advisory Board will be created to oversee the grant program, which will:

• Evaluate project plans from states and localities.
• Monitor the implementation of programs and compliance with funding guidelines.
• Provide technical assistance and develop best practices for mental health screening and referral programs.

Funding Provisions

The bill authorizes incremental funding for the program over multiple years, starting with $50 million in the first year, increasing to $70 million by the fifth year. The distribution of funds will prioritize grants for local governments and state initiatives, with a portion allocated to the Bureau of Prisons and the Advisory Board.

Definitions

Key terms defined in the bill include:

• State: Includes all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
• Locality: Refers to any general political subdivision like cities or counties.
• Mental Health Care Provider: Professionals or facilities that diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
• Corrections Officers: Employees in prisons or jails responsible for custody and safety of incarcerated individuals.

Relevant Companies

None found