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Committee hears support for HB 621 to protect confidentiality in first-responder peer support programs
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony supporting House Bill 621, which would allow police, fire, EMS and other emergency agencies to create peer-to-peer support programs with specified confidentiality protections and limited exceptions.
Representative Steve Gist introduced House Bill 621 on behalf of first responders and agencies across Montana. The bill would authorize law enforcement, fire, EMS and other emergency-service agencies to establish peer support programs whose communications are afforded confidentiality, with narrowly drawn exceptions.
Supporters told the Senate Local Government Committee that peer support teams help first responders address cumulative stress, post-traumatic stress and other mental-health challenges. "This bill is to keep that fear from becoming some first…
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