FIREFIGHTER AND EMS PROVIDER PEER SUPPORT ACT

HB 74 creates a legal framework for fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in New Mexico to establish confidential peer support programs for their employees and volunteers. The bill requires peer support team members to complete state-approved training covering issues like trauma, substance use, and grief, and mandates that all communications during support sessions remain confidential - except in limited cases involving imminent danger or court orders. It also provides limited liability protection for peer support providers and their agencies, shielding them from most lawsuits related to their support services. This directly affects firefighters, EMS personnel, and volunteers who face high-stress emergencies, offering them a structured, confidential resource to address behavioral health challenges.