H.R.3621 - Public Safety and Mental Health Reporting Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3621, the Public Safety and Mental Health Reporting Act, directs the Attorney General to collect data on interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with mental illness. This data collection would be done in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The collected data is intended for research and statistical purposes only, with strict provisions to protect the identities of victims.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to provide a clearer understanding of the interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental illness. This could lead to better training for law enforcement and improved mental health services. The annual publication of the data will increase transparency and inform policy decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Improved understanding of interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental illness.
- Enhanced training programs for law enforcement officers.
- Better allocation of resources for mental health services.
- Increased transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.
- Data-driven policy decisions regarding mental health and public safety.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse of data, despite safeguards.
- Financial burden on taxpayers to fund data collection and analysis.
- Risk of privacy breaches, even with anonymization efforts.
- Increased administrative burden on law enforcement agencies.
- Possible misinterpretation of data leading to flawed policies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Fourth Amendment regarding unreasonable searches and seizures, as it seeks to understand and potentially improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental illness. The authorization of appropriations falls under Congress's power to allocate funds for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The emphasis on data privacy also aligns with the spirit of protecting individual liberties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).