HF261

This legislative bill proposes the allocation of funds to support a specific type of therapy called equine-experiential mental health therapy for first responders dealing with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill allocates a total of $500,000 from the state's general fund over two fiscal years, with $250,000 distributed each year. The organization "Abijah's on the Backside" is designated to receive this grant to provide the therapy.

The bill defines "first responders" to include active or retired peace officers, full-time and volunteer firefighters, ambulance service personnel, 911 telecommunicators, and correctional officers.

"Abijah's on the Backside" is required to report back to the commissioner of employment and economic development as well as to relevant legislative chairs on how the funds were spent, how many first responders were served, and what benefits were realized from the therapy. Initial and final reports are mandated with specific deadlines for submission.

In simple terms, this bill is about funding horse-based therapy to help first responders who have experienced work-related trauma, and it includes accountability measures to ensure the effectiveness and proper use of the funds.