Dakota Times

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) have introduced a bipartisan bill to help local law enforcement agencies address concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) suffered by first responders.

The Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act would direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide guidelines to law enforcement agencies for identifying and treating traumatic brain injuries – while also disseminating information to mental health professionals.

“Every day, our first responders put their lives on the line to help protect our communities – and we should be doing everything we can to ensure their safety and wellbeing,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m joining my colleague Rep. Crenshaw to introduce our bipartisan bill to ensure local law enforcement agencies have the ability to safely and effectively treat and address concussions and traumatic brain injuries suffered by first responders.”

“Every year, tens of thousands of first responders suffer from concussions and traumatic brain injuries,” Rep. Crenshaw said. “These officers suffer injuries while serving their communities – we should have protocols in place, just like professional sports teams, to protect them and ensure a supportive path to healing. We owe it to those who put their lives on the line every day.”

The legislation is supported by law enforcement groups across the country, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Reps. Craig and Crenshaw introduced the House companion bill to the bipartisan Senate bill, sponsored by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV).

Click here to read the Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act.