SB 103 Summary: Peer Support Counseling Programs

• Law enforcement agencies, emergency service providers, and the Department of Corrections may establish peer support counseling programs to provide emotional and moral support to peace officers and emergency service personnel who experience emotionally traumatic incidents during employment.

• Designated peer support counselors must receive training in peer support counseling and providing emotional and moral support to peace officers and emergency service personnel.

• Written and oral communications during peer support counseling sessions are confidential and may not be disclosed, and peer support counseling records are not subject to public disclosure, discovery, subpoena, or admissibility in criminal or civil proceedings.

• Confidentiality protections do not apply to threats of suicide or homicide, information required by law to be reported, information about child or vulnerable adult abuse, or admissions of criminal conduct.

• Definitions establish the scope of covered agencies and personnel, including state troopers, municipal police, village and regional public safety officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, first responders, and emergency service dispatchers.