AL HB254

Establishes a privileged communication protection for conversations between emergency responders (law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians) and certified peer support members during peer support events related to job-related stress or traumatic incidents.

Defines a certified peer support member as someone trained in critical incident stress management and certified by the Department of Public Health or Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

Creates exceptions to the privilege when the peer support member was a witness or party to the incident, when disclosure is necessary to prevent imminent harm or public safety threats, or when the communication reveals a crime was committed.

Establishes a Class B misdemeanor penalty for any certified peer support member who discloses privileged communications or for anyone who threatens, intimidates, or attempts to compel disclosure of such communications.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval or becoming law.