Bill > HB3929

This bill amends Oregon law to expand and clarify provisions related to peer support services for public safety workers, broadening the definition of who can provide and receive these services. The legislation significantly updates the existing statute by expanding the types of public safety agencies and workers covered, including emergency medical services, mass transit district personnel, and various law enforcement and public safety roles. It establishes detailed definitions for "peer supporter" and "peer support services recipient" and creates comprehensive confidentiality protections for communications during peer support sessions. Specifically, the bill ensures that communications during peer support services are confidential and cannot be disclosed or used in any judicial, administrative, or arbitration proceedings, with some important exceptions such as threats of suicide or homicide, child abuse reporting, and criminal conduct admissions. The goal of these changes appears to be creating a safe, supportive environment for public safety workers to seek emotional and moral support after traumatic events or repeated stressful experiences in their professional roles, without fear of those confidential conversations being used against them later. The amendments will apply to communications made on or after the effective date of the 2025 Act.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3929