Rep. Craig Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support First Responders Who Suffer Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries

EAGAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) introduced a bipartisan bill to help local law enforcement agencies support and treat first responders who suffer concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) on the job. 

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, Minnesota’s first responders put their lives on the line to keep us safe and we owe it to them to ensure their safety and wellbeing too,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to be introducing this bill with my bipartisan colleagues to ensure local law enforcement agencies have the resources and information they need to address concussions and traumatic brain injuries on their teams.”   

“Far too often, the invisible wounds suffered by our first responders are overlooked,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “This legislation ensures that the same level of care given to athletes and military personnel is extended to our law enforcement officers. It's a commonsense step to safeguard those who protect us.”

“Our public safety officers are often placing their lives in danger as they work to protect us and sometimes that danger can be physical and result in traumatic brain injury,” said Rep. Bacon. “This legislation is needed so we can care for those who protect us.”

"Day in and day out, our brave law enforcement officers are hard at work keeping our communities safe, often in dangerous situations that put them at risk for serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries," said Rep. Schrier. "It is our responsibility to ensure that they receive the treatment they need, and I'm proud to support this bipartisan legislation, which will expand support for public safety officers recovering from traumatic brain injuries."

Senators. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

You can read the Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act here.

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