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New YorkS 87692025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Provides confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling

Sponsored By: James Skoufis (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

RULESJUDICIARY

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Privacy protections for police peer counseling

The law protects peer counseling communications, notes, reports, and session records for officers in New York state law enforcement agencies. Specialists cannot share them with nonparticipants; officers receiving counseling cannot share them with nonparticipants within the same agency. Safety exceptions cover specific suicide threats, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, threats of injury or death, and child abuse or neglect. These disclosures are limited to people reasonably able to prevent or reduce the harm. Other exceptions allow sharing admissions of criminal conduct or information covered by the participant's consent. Required disclosures remain, including child-abuse reporting, extreme-risk protection order filings, and court orders. Before the first session, the specialist must give the officer written notice explaining these privacy rules and exceptions.

Police peer counselors need approved training

Police officers serving as peer support specialists must complete approved training and be designated by their law enforcement agency. Training must cover emotional and moral support for officers affected by traumatic experiences at work. The responsible state division identifies and approves courses meeting its minimum standards. It also has authority to issue rules for the peer support system.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • James Skoufis

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 216 • No: 0

House vote • 1/28/2026

Assembly floor vote

Yes: 141 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/21/2026

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 56 • No: 0

committee vote • 1/20/2026

Rules Committee Vote

Yes: 19 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. SIGNED CHAP.61

    2/13/2026Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

    2/13/2026Senate

  3. RETURNED TO SENATE

    1/28/2026House

  4. PASSED ASSEMBLY

    1/28/2026House

  5. ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.65

    1/28/2026House

  6. SUBSTITUTED FOR A9495

    1/28/2026House

  7. REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

    1/21/2026House

  8. DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

    1/21/2026Senate

  9. PASSED SENATE

    1/21/2026Senate

  10. ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.65

    1/20/2026Senate

  11. REFERRED TO RULES

    1/8/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Original

    1/8/2026

    PDF

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