SF2761 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

First responders suffering from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder equine-experimental mental heath therapy grant appropriation

Related bill: HF2810

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to provide funding for a unique mental health therapy program aimed at first responders who are experiencing trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The therapy, called equine-experiential therapy, uses interactions with horses to promote healing.

Main Provisions

  • The bill allocates $250,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support this program.
  • The funds are designated for 7 Stars Ranch, which will conduct the equine-experiential therapy sessions.
  • The therapy targets first responders, including:
    • Peace officers
    • Full-time and volunteer firefighters
    • Ambulance service personnel
    • 911 telecommunicators
    • Correctional officers

Significant Changes

  • This introduces a new funded therapy program specifically for first responders. It is a one-time appropriation and not part of an ongoing budget or program.

Reporting Requirements

  • 7 Stars Ranch must provide detailed reports to the commissioner of employment and economic development, as well as relevant legislative committees.
  • Reports must cover the program's budget, expenditures, the number of first responders served, and details about the services and benefits provided.
  • An initial report is due by January 15, 2026, with a final report due by January 15, 2028.

Relevant Terms

equine-experiential therapy, mental health therapy, first responders, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, peace officers, firefighters, ambulance personnel, 911 telecommunicators, correctional officers, funding, reporting requirements

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJobs and Economic Development

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'peace officer' applicable to the grant program for equine-experiential mental health therapy for first responders.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "626.84"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'full-time firefighter' and 'volunteer firefighter' applicable to the grant program for equine-experiential mental health therapy for first responders.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "299N.03"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'ambulance service personnel' applicable to the grant program for equine-experiential mental health therapy for first responders.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "144E.001"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines '911 telecommunicator' applicable to the grant program for equine-experiential mental health therapy for first responders.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "403.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'correctional officer' applicable to the grant program for equine-experiential mental health therapy for first responders.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "241.026"
  }
]