Establishes the "first responder peer support program act" which supplies peer-to-peer mental health programs to first responders.
This bill establishes the “First Responder Peer Support Program Act” by adding a new section to the mental hygiene law. It directs the commissioner, in consultation with several state agencies and public safety organizations, to create a statewide grant program that funds peer-to-peer mental health support programs for first responders. Eligible entities include county or other first responder peer programs that provide training and support for volunteers and staff who assist first responders dealing with trauma, repetitive exposure to traumatic events, suicide risk, self-harm, addiction recovery, and related mental health needs.
The bill defines first responders broadly to include firefighters, police officers, probation and parole officers, correction officers, court officers, forest rangers, 9-1-1 and 9-8-8 operators, emergency dispatchers, EMS personnel, coroners, medical examiners, and certain peace officers. It requires the commissioner to set uniform standards for training and program operation, including trauma-informed and evidence-based instruction, and it allows grants to be used for administrative staffing and best practices such as warm handoffs to mental health services. The bill also imposes confidentiality protections, limits recordkeeping of personal identifying information, and requires annual reporting on program activities and funding use without disclosing personally identifiable information.
The bill would amend the Mental Hygiene Law by creating a new section 7.51 and authorizing a new state grant program for peer-based mental health support services targeted to first responders. It would not mandate a direct service entitlement, but instead would establish a framework for state-funded local programs, subject to appropriation, with statewide standards, confidentiality rules, and reporting requirements. The measure would affect state agencies responsible for mental health, public safety, and emergency services coordination, as well as local governmental units and first responder organizations that may apply for and administer grants.
The bill appears generally supportive of first responder mental health services and is framed as a preventive, trauma-informed response to the stresses of emergency work. The caption and text suggest a consensus-oriented approach focused on peer support, confidentiality, and access to mental health resources. No committee transcript or vote history was provided, so there is no recorded opposition or formal vote sentiment to assess beyond the bill’s supportive policy design.
The main policy issues likely to draw attention are funding, administrative oversight, and confidentiality. Because the program is subject to appropriation, the scope of implementation depends on future budget decisions, and the commissioner must balance uniform standards with local program flexibility. Another possible point of contention is the breadth of the covered first responder categories and the confidentiality provisions, especially the limits on recordkeeping and disclosure except in imminent danger or other legally required situations. Supporters are likely first responder groups, sheriffs’ organizations, firefighters’ associations, and local governments seeking mental health resources; concerns would most likely come from budget watchdogs or agencies focused on implementation and reporting burdens.