Bill > A06721

This bill establishes the "Lieutenant Joseph Banish mental health act," which creates a confidential peer support counseling program specifically for law enforcement officers. The bill defines key terms such as "peer support communication" as any oral, written, or recorded interaction during a counseling session, and "peer support specialist" as a trained police officer designated to provide emotional support to colleagues who have experienced traumatic work-related events. The legislation mandates strict confidentiality for these counseling sessions, with participants and specialists prohibited from disclosing communication contents to outside parties. However, the bill outlines specific exceptions where disclosure is permitted or required, including situations involving suicide threats, potential bodily harm, child abuse, legally mandated reporting, criminal admissions, or when a court orders disclosure. Before the first counseling session, participants must receive written notice about confidentiality rules and exceptions. The bill also requires the division to establish regulations for training, certification, record-keeping, and ongoing professional development for peer support specialists. The act will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with provisions for immediate preparation of necessary implementing regulations.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6721