BILL NUMBER: S7849
SPONSOR: WEBB
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to authorizing the county of Tompkins to offer an
optional twenty year retirement plan to Kyle Davenport, a deputy sheriff
employed by such county
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Enacts the first responder peer support program act.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 titles the bill "First Responder. Peer Support Program Act".
Section 2 amends the mental hygiene law by adding new section 7.51 which
defines the terms the Program" and "eligible entities".
(B) provides that the commissioner, subject to appropriation, shall
establish a statewide grant program that provides grants to eligible
entities for the purpose of establishing peer-topeer mental health
programs for first responders.
(c) provides that the commissioner shall establish standards applicable
to the program. Such standards shall include, but not limited to,
initial and continued training for first responder peer volunteers,
administrative staffing needs, and best practices for addressing the
needs of each first responder served, including, but not limited to, a
warm handoff to mental health services for individuals identified as
being in duress.
(d) provides that the commissioner shall not require the recipient of
any grant under this section to maintain records on first responders
Seeking support or report any personal identifying information directly
or, indirectly to the commissioner.
Section 3,states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
First responders are frequently exposed to distressing situations. To
help address the emotional toll on these individuals it is vital that
the State, Provides accessible resources such as peer support programs.
The FBI has acknowledged that peer support programs are a unique service
As they allow individuals with personal experience to assist others
dealing with similar experiences through increased awareness, vigilance,
empathic responses and emotional validation. These Peer support services
have been proven effective in identifying risk factors for, behavioral
and mental health problems, reducing stigma, creating a welcoming envi-
ronment and connecting individuals with outside professional resources
for additional care when necessary.
Modeled after the highly successful Joseph P. Dwyer. Veterans Peer to
Peer Support Program, which was launched in 2812, this bill would estab-
lish a First Responder Peer Support Program. This program would focus on
prioritizing the mental well-being of the state's volunteer and paid
first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, emergency
medical personnel, emergency dispatchers and other personnel as desig-
nated by the Governor.
By enacting this bill we can ensure that first responders have access to
the necessary systems to address some of the challenges they face.,
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-2828: S8618;
2021-2822: S6955;
2023-2824: A7552A/57879
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.