HB3977: First Responders Behavioral Healthcare Bill of Rights Act

• Establishes statutory rights for first responders (police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians) seeking behavioral health services for mental health, substance use disorders, or both.

• Guarantees first responders the right to access behavioral health services responsive to their individual needs without fear of repercussions, reprisal, or employer discipline.

• Protects confidentiality of behavioral health records by prohibiting employers from sharing treatment records with employers unless mandated by law and preventing use of such records in disciplinary proceedings.

• Prohibits employers from compelling employees to release behavioral health records under threat of discipline and allows employees to seek treatment in any geographic area without employer restrictions.

• Makes these rights judicially enforceable, allowing aggrieved employees to bring civil actions against employers for damages, attorney's fees, or injunctive relief for violations.