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Bill

S 1659

An Act relative to crisis intervention services for emergency service providers; confidentiality of information

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 2 co-sponsors

Establishes confidential crisis intervention services for emergency responders to address mental health crises while protecting their privacy and encouraging treatment-seeking.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Rules
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Bill Summary · S 1659

Legislative bill overview

S 1659 establishes crisis intervention services specifically for emergency service providers (firefighters, police, paramedics, etc.) and creates confidentiality protections for information shared during these interventions. The bill aims to address mental health and behavioral crises among first responders while protecting their privacy to encourage utilization of these services.

Why is this important

First responders face elevated rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide compared to the general population, yet many avoid seeking help due to stigma and concerns about career consequences. Creating confidential crisis intervention services removes barriers to mental health support and can prevent tragedies while maintaining the well-being of public safety personnel who serve their communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Confidentiality vs. public safety balance: Protections may limit information-sharing with supervisors or departments when a responder poses a danger to themselves or others, raising questions about oversight and accountability
  • Coverage and funding scope: Unclear whether services apply to all emergency responders uniformly or if certain groups (volunteer vs. career, different departments) receive different access or funding levels
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill may lack clear procedures for how confidentiality will be enforced across multiple agencies and how violations will be addressed or penalized

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

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