Subcommittee backs standardized mental‑health training for fire departments

The subcommittee on fire programs reported House Bill 325, a measure directing the Department of Fire Programs to create a statewide standardized mental‑health awareness training for local fire departments.

Mister Reynolds, presenting on behalf of Delegate Sullivan, said the bill would produce a uniform curriculum for mental‑health awareness and estimated a one‑time appropriation of $188,000 to develop and distribute the material. "This bill directs the Department of Fire grama to develop a standardized training program for mental health health awareness, to be used by, local fire departments across the state," he said.

An unidentified committee member moved to report the bill out of subcommittee and the motion was seconded. The clerk recorded the bill as passing the subcommittee roll call 6 to 0. The chair closed the roll and moved on to the next item.

The subcommittee did not debate amendments or fiscal alternatives on the record. The measure now proceeds according to the General Assembly's legislative process for further consideration.