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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 voluntary and meant to encourage frank discussion: “It would be voluntary. The idea is to train the program, to have trainers trained… and then, hopefully, for example, if I need to come to you and say, ‘I need a peer support conversation,’ I can do that safely,” he said.
Proponents emphasized that peer support is not a substitute for professional care but can be a bridge to treatment. Montana Professional Firefighters, the Montana Police Protective Association and chaplains testified in favor.
The Department of Labor and Industry, which oversees many professional licensing boards, raised concerns about absolute confidentiality for licensed professionals (notably EMTs and paramedics): Commissioner Sarah Swanson offered an amendment to allow licensing boards to request records or require disclosure where mandatory reporting or board investigations of practitioner safety are implicated. Department counsel explained mandatory reporting in the licensing context applies to fitness to practice concerns and is narrower than some reporters envisage.
Committee members asked about small agencies with limited peer resources, scene‑involved peers serving as supporters, and anti‑harassment protections. Sponsors said policies and coordinator roles would address conflicts of interest and that the bill includes protections against retaliation.
The Department of Labor and Industry and proponents said they were willing to negotiate specific carve‑outs and language to preserve licensing boards’ oversight while protecting peer confidentiality for most conversations.
