Pennsylvania HR 415: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on trauma-informed care training provided to law enforcement officers under Act 59 of 2020 and issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2891
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 415
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY KAZEEM, WAXMAN, HOHENSTEIN, HILL-EVANS, RIVERA,
RABB, D. WILLIAMS, MAYES, SANCHEZ, CURRY AND GREEN,
FEBRUARY 4, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
study on trauma-informed care training provided to law
enforcement officers under Act 59 of 2020 and issue a report
of its findings and recommendations to the House of
Representatives.
WHEREAS, The American Psychological Association defines
trauma as any disturbing experience that results in significant
fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion or other disruptive
feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect
on a person's attitudes, behavior and other aspects of
functioning; and
WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers, as first responders,
regularly encounter dangerous and tragic events which may have
traumatic effects on their physical, cognitive and behavioral
well-being; and
WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers who have experienced trauma
or who live with post-traumatic stress disorder may be reluctant
to seek support from loved ones, professional resources or
superiors due to concerns about stigma or potential employment
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consequences; and
WHEREAS, Trauma-informed care is a framework for
understanding the prevalence and impact of trauma, for training
first responders on interacting with trauma-affected individuals
and for integrating this knowledge into policy and practice
while avoiding re-traumatization; and
WHEREAS, Training in trauma-informed care can help law
enforcement officers reduce trauma on scene, improve
interactions with members of the public who have experienced
trauma or live with post-traumatic stress disorder and encourage
recognition of trauma among fellow officers; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly enacted Act 59 of 2020 to
provide for mental health evaluations for law enforcement
officers under specified circumstances and to require training
in trauma-informed care and post-traumatic stress disorder
through the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training
Commission; and
WHEREAS, Training provided under Act 59 of 2020 is critical
to the safety of law enforcement officers and the public and may
significantly affect outcomes in law enforcement encounters;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study on trauma-
informed care training provided to law enforcement officers
under Act 59 of 2020 and issue a report of its findings and
recommendations to the House of Representatives; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, in
conducting the study, examine and report on all of the
following:
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(1) How law enforcement officers are trained on trauma-
informed care, including training on all of the following:
(i) Recognizing and interacting with individuals
with post-traumatic stress disorder.
(ii) Intervening with or on behalf of fellow
officers exhibiting signs of post-traumatic stress
disorder.
(2) The frequency with which such training is provided
to law enforcement officers.
(3) The identity and qualifications of training
providers, including whether the Municipal Police Officers'
Education and Training Commission contracts with outside
entities for this purpose.
(4) How the training requirements and content in this
Commonwealth compare with those of other states.
(5) Available data on the number of law enforcement
officers who have received or not received such training,
disaggregated by county.
(6) Available data on the effects of such training on
reducing incidents of violence involving law enforcement
officers and individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
(7) Potential changes to State law, practices, policies
or procedures to improve trauma-informed care training for
law enforcement officers and enhance interactions with
individuals affected by trauma;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
report of its findings and recommendations to the House of
Representatives no later than one year after the adoption of
this resolution.
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