AL SB212

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

Certified peer support members must be emergency responders or chaplains who complete training in critical incident stress management from recognized agencies and receive written designation from agency leadership.

Communications between emergency responders and certified peer support members during peer support events are privileged and protected from disclosure in legal proceedings.

Privilege does not apply if the peer support member was involved in the incident, if communication reveals intent to commit a crime or serious harm, if a crime was committed, or if a court determines communications are unprotected under Alabama Rules of Evidence.

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