Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
Introduced
Summary
Creates an HHS-led interagency working group to review and improve peer-to-peer behavioral health programs for law enforcement officers and other first responders. It would focus on reducing suicide risk, addressing substance use, and aligning programs with the unique exposures and environments of these jobs.
Show full summary
- First responders: Would be evaluated against occupation-specific models and get recommendations for minimum standards on confidentiality, peer supporter training, and integration with licensed mental health care.
- Employers and agencies: Federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local employers would join the group to help shape guidance on grants, technical assistance, and interagency coordination.
- Policymakers and the public: The group must publish a public report on HHS's website and send updated recommendations to Congress within one year. The group ends after delivering that report but HHS can reconvene it if new guidance is needed.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Peer support group for first responders
This bill would establish an interagency working group at HHS through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. The group would review peer-to-peer behavioral health programs for law enforcement officers and other first responders. It would include HHS, the Attorney General, Homeland Security, appointed federal, State, Tribal, territorial, and local employer representatives, peer-experienced officers and responders, and supporting NGOs. The group would evaluate distinct occupational models and best practices on confidentiality, peer supporter training, and integration with licensed behavioral health professionals. Not later than one year after enactment, it would publish a report on HHS's website with evidence-based findings and minimum standards and would send updated recommendations to Congress. The group would end one year after completing that report, though the Secretary could ask to reconvene. Funding would be authorized as necessary, with no specific dollar amount listed.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
VA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]
MO • R
Sponsored 4/23/2026
Rutherford
FL • R
Sponsored 4/23/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov