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Bill > HF2637
IA HF2637
IA HF2637A bill for an act relating to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees.(Formerly HSB 652.)
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers. The bill amends Code section 80F.1 (peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights) by providing that the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights does not require the disclosure, use, or consideration of confidential peer support communications in any informal inquiry, formal administrative investigation, disciplinary proceeding, or Brady-Giglio determination. The bill amends the current evidentiary privilege applicable to peer support counselors and individuals present for individual or group crisis interventions under Code section 622.10 (communications in professional confidence) and creates new Code chapter 622C relating to the evidentiary privilege of peer support communications. The bill defines “civilian employee” as an employee of a law enforcement agency, emergency management agency, emergency medical services agency, or fire department who is not an officer. The bill also defines “confidential communication”, “officer”, and “peer support counselor”. The bill provides that, except as otherwise specified, a peer support counselor or an individual present for a confidential communication is not permitted to testify or disclose confidential communications made by an officer or a civilian employee during peer support or crisis intervention sessions. The bill further provides that confidential communications cannot be used or introduced in any formal administrative investigation, disciplinary proceeding, or Brady-Giglio disclosure or proceeding, except as otherwise provided or as constitutionally required. The bill allows peer support counselors or individuals present for a confidential communication to testify or otherwise disclose a confidential communication that includes a plan to commit a crime or information related to the commission of a crime, a threat of harm to oneself or others, or information required by law to be disclosed. The bill provides that new Code chapter 622C does not limit an employer’s authority to direct an employee to an employee assistance program or to require a fitness-for-duty evaluation, and the chapter is to be construed liberally to promote candid and confidential communications during peer support services for public safety professionals.
AI Summary
This bill establishes and strengthens protections for confidential communications made during peer support and crisis intervention sessions for public safety officers and civilian employees, defining "civilian employee" as a non-officer staff member of agencies like law enforcement, emergency management, EMS, or fire departments. It creates a new chapter in the law specifically for the evidentiary privilege of these communications, meaning they generally cannot be disclosed or used in formal administrative investigations, disciplinary proceedings, or Brady-Giglio determinations, which are legal processes related to disclosing exculpatory evidence to defendants. The bill clarifies that this privilege applies to communications made to a "peer support counselor," who is a trained individual designated to provide emotional and moral support to public safety professionals. However, exceptions exist, allowing disclosure if the communication involves a plan to commit a crime, a threat of harm to oneself or others, or information legally required to be reported, such as child abuse. Importantly, this new chapter does not prevent employers from requiring employees to use employee assistance programs or undergo fitness-for-duty evaluations, and it is intended to be interpreted broadly to encourage open and honest conversations during these support services.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Public Safety (House)
Last Action
Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 350. (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2637 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2637.html |
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