Senate Bill No. 342, Public Act No. 24-67, is an act concerning the confidentiality of communications between peer support team members and Department of Correction employees. The bill amends Section 52-146v of the general statutes, effective July 1, 2024, to include employees of the Department of Correction in the definition of "first responder." This expansion allows Department of Correction employees to participate in employer-established peer support programs with the assurance of confidentiality. The bill defines "confidential communications" as all oral and written communications transmitted in confidence between a first responder and a peer support team member within such a program, as well as all records related to the first responder's participation.

The bill stipulates that, except as provided in subsection (d), peer support team members may not disclose any confidential communications to third parties, in civil or criminal cases, or in legislative or administrative proceedings, unless the first responder waives the privilege. However, consent is not required for disclosure in three specific circumstances: if mandated by other statutes, if nondisclosure presents a clear and present danger to any individual, or if the peer support team member was a witness or party to an incident that led to the delivery of peer support services to the first responder. The act was approved on May 30, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 52-146v
PS Joint Favorable: 52-146v
File No. 220: 52-146v
Public Act No. 24-67: 52-146v