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Committee approves DO PASS for H 491 on rescuer immunity for mental-health first aid
Summary
H 491, concerning psychological emergencies, mental-health first aid and immunity for rescuers, passed committee on Jan. 21, 2026, with a 12-2 roll-call vote; witnesses supported the measure and committee questioned training, applicability to school counselors, and prior Idaho suits.
Rep. Erickson presented H 491 to the committee as a bill addressing psychological emergencies, mental-health first aid, and immunity protections for rescuers. Committee members asked about the types of aid covered, required training standards for rescuers, whether the measure would apply to school counselors, and whether there were prior Idaho lawsuits against rescuers. Daniel Murphy and Stewart Wilder testified in support.
Rep. Shirts moved to send H 491 to the floor with a DO PASS recommendation; the roll-call vote carried 12 AYE, 2 NAY, and 2 Absent/Excused. Rep. Erickson will sponsor the bill on the floor. The committee recorded questions about training and liability scope but did not record statutory amendments in the minutes.
