SB395 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Law enforcement, law enforcement officers required to undergo mental health evaluations, exceptions

Summary

SB395 would require Alabama law enforcement officers to undergo periodic mental health evaluations as a condition of continued employment, with scheduling options and certain exceptions.

What This Bill Does

Starting January 1, 2022, every law enforcement agency must require each officer to submit to a periodic mental health assessment as a condition of continued employment. Assessments must be conducted by a board-certified psychiatrist or licensed psychologist with PTSD experience, and the written results must be provided to both the officer and the agency administrator, including information on whether the officer has ever been diagnosed with PTSD. Scheduling can be staggered so that all officers receive an assessment within a five-year cycle. The bill also allows for exceptions and additional requirements, such as retirement-based waivers, good-cause extra assessments, and a six-month window for new hires or transfers to complete an assessment.

Who It Affects

• Active law enforcement officers employed by Alabama agencies who must undergo periodic mental health assessments and may face additional assessments or waivers.
• Administrative heads of law enforcement agencies (e.g., sheriffs, police chiefs, and the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency) who schedule, administer, and receive the assessment results and decide on waivers or extra assessments.

Key Provisions

• Requires periodic mental health assessments for officers as a condition of continued employment, at least once every five years, starting January 1, 2022.
• Assessments must be conducted by a board-certified psychiatrist or licensed psychologist with experience diagnosing/treating PTSD; results must be provided in writing to the officer and to the agency head, including whether the officer has ever been diagnosed with PTSD.
• Scheduling can be staggered so that all officers receive an assessment within a five-year cycle.
• Waivers and additional assessments: the administrative head may waive the periodic assessment if the officer retires within six months of the scheduled date; the head may require an additional mental health assessment for good cause, with the officer given a written statement and a 30-day deadline to comply.
• New hires or officers moving from another agency must complete a mental health assessment within six months of hire; agencies must consider prior assessment history when determining requirements.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Law Enforcement