Bill > S08769

This bill amends existing law to provide confidentiality for communications related to law enforcement peer support counseling, meaning that conversations, notes, reports, and records from these counseling sessions are protected. Specifically, a peer support specialist, who is a trained police officer providing emotional and moral support, and a peer support participant, a police officer receiving this support, generally cannot disclose these communications to anyone not directly involved in the session. However, this confidentiality does not apply if the communication reveals a specific threat of suicide, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or a threat of bodily harm or death, provided the disclosure is made to someone who can help prevent or mitigate such harm. Confidentiality is also waived if the communication contains an admission of criminal conduct, or if the peer support participant gives their consent for disclosure. The bill also clarifies that this confidentiality does not prevent disclosures required by law, such as mandatory reporting of child abuse or maltreatment, or as ordered by a court. Before the first session, peer support specialists must inform participants in writing about these confidentiality rules and their exceptions. The bill also empowers the division to approve training courses for peer support specialists.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8769