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File #: 22-5422    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Policy Status: Passed
File created: 9/1/2022 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 9/13/2022 Final action: 9/13/2022
Title: Request for approval to create a new time reporting code to provide up to 24 hours of paid mental health leave for certain County law enforcement officers, which would be non-compensable at separation.
Department: Human Resources and Risk Management
Department Head/Elected Official: Shain Carrizal

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Policy

Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A

MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval to create a new time reporting code to provide up to 24 hours of paid mental health leave for certain County law enforcement officers, which would be non-compensable at separation.
end

Background and Discussion:
In 2021, the Texas Legislature approved SB 1359 that amended Texas Government Code Section 614 to require law enforcement agencies to develop and adopt a policy allowing the use of mental health leave by peace officers without a deduction in salary or other compensation. This request is to create a new paid mental health leave bank in STARS, which can be utilized by County law enforcement agencies that promulgate a mental health policy as required by Section 614.015. The leave would be a maximum of 24 hours per calendar year at the law enforcement officer's regular rate of pay. Upon approval, Human Resources & Risk Management will coordinate with Universal Services and Auditor's Payroll to implement the new time reporting code in STARS as soon as possible and communicate with County law enforcement agencies upon completion.

Expected Impact:
The fiscal impact is uncertain given that mental health leave is not currently being tracked. The new leave will be tracked separately in STARS in order to determine the utilization and cost once implemented.

Alternative Options: N/A

Alignment with Goal(s):
X Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service

Prior Court Action (if any):
Da...

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