H.R. 2992 would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop crisis intervention training tools for use by first responders who interact with persons suffering from traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. The act also would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to study and report about the prevalence and incidence of concussions among first responders.
The act would authorize the appropriation of $54 million annually over the 2023-2027 period for a grant program administered by DOJ that funds treatment services for mentally ill adults and juveniles. Grants are awarded to local law enforcement and mental health agencies. In addition, H.R. 2992 would authorize funds to be used by DOJ to develop mental health training tools for use by local agencies and first responders. In fiscal year 2022, the Congress appropriated $40 million for the program.
Using information provided by the agency and data about historical spending patterns for the program, CBO estimates the act would cost $203 million over the 2023‑2027 period, and $67 million after 2027, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.
The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget functions 550 (health) and 750 (administration of justice).
