HB5898 Summary

• Creates the Public Safety Peer Support Counseling Confidentiality Act to protect communications in peer support counseling sessions conducted for law enforcement and emergency services personnel.

• Makes all communications, oral information, and written records from peer support counseling sessions confidential and prohibits disclosure by any participant in the session.

• Exempts peer support counseling records from Freedom of Information Act requests and makes such communications inadmissible in judicial, administrative, arbitration, or other adjudicatory proceedings.

• Establishes exceptions to confidentiality for threats of suicide or homicide, child or elderly abuse, and admissions of criminal conduct.

• Applies only to counseling sessions conducted by designated, trained counselors who provide emotional and moral support to public safety personnel or emergency services personnel involved in traumatic incidents.