House passes grant program to expand first-responder mental‑health services

The Utah House on Feb. 6 approved HB 278, a measure to create a grant program intended to expand trauma‑informed mental‑health services for first responders.

Representative Ryan Wilcox, sponsor of the bill, told colleagues the measure arose from talks with first responders and addresses a shortage of therapists trained to provide care to those who respond to critical incidents. “This gives them an opportunity, hopefully to transition, so that we don't just lose all that expertise,” Wilcox said on the House floor.

The bill formalizes support for critical-incident stress management (CISM) teams and helps retiring first responders move into roles providing peer and clinical support. Wilcox said the intent is to preserve institutional knowledge and make those services available to colleagues after retirement.

There was no recorded opposition on the floor. Voting closed with the House reporting 69 yes votes and zero no votes; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

The measure drew on testimony heard in the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee, which recommended the bill by a recorded committee vote (noted on the floor). Next steps include Senate referral and typical interchamber consideration before the program becomes law.