NY A06721

Establishes the "Lieutenant Joseph Banish mental health act" creating confidentiality protections for law enforcement peer support counseling programs operated by police agencies

Defines peer support specialists as police officers trained to provide emotional and moral support to fellow officers who have experienced traumatic events in the course of employment

Prohibits peer support specialists and participants from disclosing contents of peer support communications to non-parties, with specific exceptions

Requires mandatory disclosure when communications contain admissions of criminal conduct, information required by law to be reported, or when ordered by a court; permits disclosure of suicide threats, self-harm, threats of bodily harm, or child abuse/neglect information

Mandates written notice to participants before initial counseling sessions explaining confidentiality requirements and exceptions, with the Division authorized to establish training certifications and regulations

Takes effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authority to develop implementing rules and regulations