This bill mandates that employers of first responders, specifically law enforcement officers and paid firefighters, provide workers' compensation coverage for up to 12 hours of paid confidential counseling with a licensed mental health professional following a critical incident experienced during their employment. The counseling is intended to be separate from any existing benefits provided by employer-sponsored health plans. If a mental health professional recommends additional counseling beyond the initial 12 hours, the employer is required to cover up to an additional 24 hours, with all counseling sessions to be completed within one year of the first visit. Furthermore, the bill prohibits employers from requiring the use of any accrued leave if counseling sessions occur during established work hours.

Additionally, the bill establishes that communications related to mental health support between law enforcement officers and resiliency program officers or peer support team members are confidential. Disclosure of these communications is only permitted if there is a reasonable belief that the officer poses a risk to themselves or others, or if there is evidence of a crime committed by the officer. This provision aims to encourage first responders to seek mental health support without fear of repercussions, thereby promoting their overall well-being.