HB112 Summary

• Authorizes the Alabama Fire College to certify peer support members for emergency responders, in addition to the existing certification authority of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

• Expands the definition of "emergency responder" to include wildland firefighters and allows chaplains assigned by emergency service agencies to become certified peer support members.

• Establishes that communications between emergency responders and certified peer support members during peer support events are privileged and cannot be compelled as testimony, with limited exceptions for imminent harm or crime disclosure.

• Requires peer support members to complete critical incident stress management training from recognized agencies including the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, National Organization for Victim Assistance, American Red Cross, and Regional Counterdrug Training Academy.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.