HB 3929
Modifies provisions related to the confidentiality and admissibility of communications by certain public safety employees to a peer supporter.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, Oregon State Sheriffs' Association, Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs, Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, Special Districts Association of Oregon Fire Districts, Oregon State Fire Fighters Council)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
100%
Oppose
0%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a testimonial privilege for certain communications between public safety employees (such as police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers) and their peer supporters. Specifically, it prevents peer supporters from being compelled to testify about conversations held while providing support to a colleague experiencing distress related to a traumatic event or work-related stress. This privilege applies regardless of whether the peer supporter and recipient are employed by the same agency.
Key provisions
- Creates a testimonial privilege for communications between public safety employees and peer supporters.
- Defines ‘peer supporter’ as a trained individual providing emotional support to first responders or corrections officers.
- Protects communications made during peer support sessions related to traumatic events.
- The privilege applies regardless of whether the peer supporter and recipient are employed by the same agency.
- Applies to both civil and criminal court proceedings.
Who is affected
- Public Safety Employees (Police Officers, Firefighters, Corrections Officers, EMTs, etc.)
- Peer Supporters
- First Responders
- Corrections Officers
- Mental Health Professionals
Notable changes
- Establishes a new privilege specifically for communications between public safety employees and peer supporters.
- Expands the definition of ‘peer supporter’ to include individuals trained by public safety agencies.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
David Brock Smith
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3929 emphasize the importance of protecting the confidentiality of communication between individuals receiving peer support and their peer supporters, particularly for public safety employees. Many testifiers share personal experiences or anecdotes highlighting the need for such protection to ensure the well-being and mental health of these professionals. The City of Beaverton supports the bill, citing its need to establish a testimonial privilege for communications by public safety employees with peer supporters, thereby promoting confidentiality and protecting employee mental health. By prioritizing this aspect, proponents argue that HB 3929 is crucial in safeguarding the mental wellness of public safety personnel and fostering a culture of trust and support within their communities.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
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