An act relating to confidentiality in peer support sessions for emergency service providers
Sponsored By: Emilie Krasnow (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Emergency workers gain peer support privacy
Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont protects communications in covered emergency service peer support sessions, including notes, reports, and records. Written communications are exempt from public inspection and copying. Participant and specialist communications generally cannot be obtained through discovery or used in court, administrative cases, or arbitration. This protects participants but limits evidence available to people pursuing claims. Covered groups include recognized firefighters, licensed emergency medical personnel, certified law enforcement officers, specified corrections officers, qualifying emergency dispatchers and call takers, registered ski patrollers, mental health professionals, and appointed medical examiners. Sessions cover paid workers and volunteers dealing with trauma or ongoing stress from service or personal matters. The session leader must qualify through employer or program designation, peer support training, or membership in a recognized Vermont peer support program. Exceptions cover suicide or homicide threats, child or vulnerable-adult abuse, legally required reports, admissions likely to threaten public safety, and crime plans. These exceptions apply to people responsible for receiving that information through their professional duties. The evidence rule does not shield workplace or volunteer observations, or information otherwise available for discovery or use as evidence. Specialists and program staff may share communications with each other. Participants may share personal experiences or feelings consistent with their federal health privacy obligations.
Peer support providers gain lawsuit protections
Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont limits civil liability for emergency service employers, peer support specialists, and peer support programs. The protection covers injuries or damages arising from peer support services. It also covers damages from confidentiality violations by emergency service providers participating in sessions. This protects employers, specialists, and programs, but limits injured people's ability to recover damages from them. The protection does not apply when their conduct involves gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Emilie Krasnow
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Barbara Rachelson
Democratic • House
Bram Kleppner
Democratic • House
Brian Minier
Democratic • House
Deborah "Debbie" C Dolgin
Republican • House
Edye Graning
Democratic • House
Emily Carris Duncan
Democratic • House
Gregory "Greg" Burtt
Republican • House
Herb Olson
Democratic • House
Joseph "Joe" Luneau
Republican • House
Jubilee McGill
Democratic • House
Kate McCann
Democratic • House
Kate Nugent
Democratic • House
Kenneth "Ken" L Wells
Republican • House
Larry Labor
Republican • House
Leonora Dodge
Democratic • House
Mary E. E Howard
Democratic • House
Monique Priestley
Democratic • House
Phil Pouech
Democratic • House
Saudia LaMont
Democratic • House
VL L Coffin IV
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 105)Opens in a new window
5/28/2026
As Passed by Both Chambers
5/20/2026
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
5/20/2026
As Passed by the House
1/30/2026
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
1/30/2026
As Introduced
2/19/2025
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