State would offer first responder peer support grants if funded

The state would offer grants for first responder peer support and wellness programs. Providers and county peer programs could apply to serve paid and volunteer first responders. Local governments could also apply. Grants would depend on money set aside for the program. Applicants would submit information and assurances required by the commissioner. State standards would cover initial and ongoing training that accounts for trauma and covers suicide prevention and addiction, plus help connecting people in distress with mental health services. The program requirements would take effect 120 days after the bill becomes law.

Peer support providers would keep session conversations, notes, and records private, with exceptions. Participants would receive written notice of the privacy rules before their first peer support session. Sharing with a participant’s consent would have to stay within that consent. Disclosures required by state or federal law would remain required. The privacy rules would take effect 120 days after the bill becomes law.

Grant recipients and the state would report annually on program services and spending. Recipient reports would cover funded training and services, spending, organizations receiving funds, numbers served, and recommendations for future grants. The commissioner could not require recipients to keep records on people seeking support or report identifying information, directly or indirectly, to the commissioner, employers, or responder organizations. The state would combine recipient reports and recommendations for the governor and legislative leaders. The state’s combined report would be due by November 1, 2028, and annually afterward.