AL HB292

Amends Section 36-21-14 of the Alabama Code to authorize the Alabama Fire College to certify peer support members in addition to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

Defines certified peer support members as law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency dispatchers, emergency medical technicians, or chaplains who complete critical incident stress management training and are certified by either agency.

Requires candidates to complete training through recognized agencies including the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, National Organization for Victim Assistance, American Red Cross, or Regional Counterdrug Training Academy.

Establishes privilege for communications between emergency responders and certified peer support members during peer support events, with exceptions when the peer support member was involved in the incident, a crime is disclosed, or imminent harm is threatened.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.