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HSB 652

A bill for an act relating to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers.

2025-2026 Regular Session

The bill protects confidentiality of communications between public safety officers and peer support, shielding them from disclosure to encourage seeking help.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 2637.
#civilprocedure #confidentiality #lawenforcement #safety
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Bill Summary · HSB 652

Overview

HB 652, introduced in the 2025-2026 Iowa legislative session and referred to Public Safety, seeks to protect the confidentiality of communications between public safety officers and peer support personnel. The bill has progressed through subcommittee and committee stages, and was renumbered as HF 2637 after a committee report approving it on February 19, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to safeguard the confidentiality of peer support communications involving public safety officers.
  • By shielding these communications from disclosure, the bill intends to encourage officers to seek peer support without fear of exposure or repercussions in investigations, litigation, or public records.

Key Provisions (as introduced and advanced through committees)

  • Establishes confidential communications between public safety officers and peer support personnel as protected from disclosure in most proceedings.
  • Defines who qualifies as peer support personnel and which communications are covered (e.g., exchanges related to mental health, stress, trauma, or emotional wellbeing).
  • Specifies conditions under which confidentiality may be waived (for example, if there is imminent risk of harm, mandated reporting, or as otherwise required by law).
  • Addresses potential exceptions to confidentiality, balancing officer wellbeing with public or legal interests.
  • Provides guidance on handling records, communications, and access to information to ensure protections are applied consistently.
  • Includes any necessary procedural provisions for the administration of the confidentiality framework (e.g., confidentiality notices, penalties for improper disclosure, and enforcement mechanisms).

Who is Affected

  • Public safety officers (e.g., police, fire, emergency medical services) who participate in peer support programs.
  • Peer support personnel who provide confidential services and referrals.
  • Departments and agencies employing public safety personnel, which would implement and maintain compliant peer support processes and confidentiality standards.
  • Potentially, individuals involved in investigations or litigation where confidential communications could otherwise be disclosed.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced on February 3, 2026, and referred to Public Safety.
  • Subcommittee met February 4, 2026; recommended passage.
  • Subcommittee and committee votes: positive recommendations, with a formal committee report approving the bill.
  • February 17, 2026: Committee reported recommending amendment and passage; voting record shows 21 Yeas, 0 Nays, 2 Excused.
  • February 19, 2026: Committee report approving the bill, renumbered as HF 2637, moving forward in the legislative process.

Potential Impact

  • Increased utilization of peer support services by public safety officers due to enhanced confidentiality assurances.
  • Greater willingness to disclose mental health concerns to peer supporters, potentially improving early intervention and wellness outcomes.
  • Legal framework to protect peer support communications, reducing the risk of compelled disclosure in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings, subject to stated exceptions.
  • Administrative and training implications for public safety agencies to implement compliant confidentiality practices and ensure staff understand the scope and limits of confidentiality.

Notes

  • The bill’s current form is HF 2637, reflecting a renumbering in committee action.
  • Specific definitions (e.g., who qualifies as peer support personnel, what constitutes a confidential communication) and exact exceptions would be detailed in the enacted text. Readers should consult the final bill language for precise wording and any amendments enacted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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