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Committee hears bipartisan support for peer‑support confidentiality bill for first responders, licensing board raises carve‑out concerns
Summary
HB 621 would create confidentiality protections for trained peer‑support conversations among first responders; sheriffs, firefighters and chaplains urged protections to reduce stigma, while the Department of Labor and Industry sought an amendment to preserve licensing boards' ability to investigate unsafe practitioners.
Representative Steve Gist presented House Bill 621 to provide confidential status for peer‑support conversations for first responders who participate in programs that meet baseline training and program standards. Supporters — including county sheriffs, police chiefs, professional firefighters and a licensed therapist — described the cumulative trauma first responders face and said confidentiality is essential for frank peer conversations.
Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter told the committee the privilege is…
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