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Senate committee approves bill to require debriefings for firefighters after critical incidents
Summary
The Senate City, County & Local Affairs Committee voted to pass House Bill 1877, which requires local fire departments to offer firefighters involved in critical incidents the opportunity to debrief with a mental‑health professional or certified peer support member. Sponsors cited high rates of trauma, suicide ideation and substance use among firefighters.
House Bill 18 77, sponsored in committee by Senator Dismain, would require local fire departments to make available to any firefighter involved in a critical incident “the opportunity to participate in a debriefing by a mental health professional or certified peer support member.”
Proponent testimony emphasized the bill as a response to occupational trauma. Senator Dismain summarized survey figures during the presentation, saying that about "19% have had thoughts of suicide, 27% have struggled with substance abuse, 59% have experienced family and relationship problems [and] 65% are haunted by memories of bad calls," and argued the measure ensures firefighters have access to support.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the bill’s scope and intent. Senator Johnson asked whether the measure was intended to address post‑traumatic stress disorder or similar conditions; Senator Dismain replied that it was.
After no public testimony in opposition or further committee questions, a motion to pass the bill was offered by Senator Clark and seconded by Senator Sullivan. The committee recorded a favorable voice vote and the chair congratulated the sponsor.
The committee’s action sends the bill forward with committee approval; the transcript records only a voice vote and does not provide a roll call tally.
