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Committee Hears Bill To Create Confidential Peer Support for First Responders
Summary
Lawmakers heard House Bill 6-21 to allow law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies to establish peer-to-peer support programs with baseline qualifications and confidentiality protections, with multiple public-safety leaders urging passage to address PTSD and retention.
Representative Steve Gist introduced House Bill 6-21, which would authorize Montana police, fire, EMS and sheriff departments to establish peer-to-peer support programs that meet minimum certification, continuing-education and confidentiality standards based on IACP peer-support guidelines. Gist told the Senate Local Government Committee the measure would define qualifications and allow individuals to use multiple peer supporters.
Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter, a proponent, described his 25-year law-enforcement career and said confidential peer conversations helped him after high-stress incidents. "As…
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