The bill H.270 aims to establish confidentiality protections for communications made during peer support counseling sessions among emergency service providers in Vermont. It introduces a new section, 18 V.S.A. 7257c, which defines key terms such as "critical incident stress management program," "emergency service provider," and "peer support counseling session." The bill stipulates that any communication made during these sessions, whether oral or written, cannot be disclosed by participants or counselors, and such communications are exempt from public inspection under the Public Records Act. Additionally, it specifies that these communications are not admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings, with certain exceptions for disclosures related to threats of harm or legal obligations to report abuse.

The confidentiality protections apply only to sessions conducted by trained individuals designated by an employer or critical incident stress management program. However, the bill clarifies that certain information, such as threats of suicide or homicide, admissions of criminal conduct, or plans to commit a crime, are not protected under these confidentiality provisions. The bill also states that employers will not be held liable for any unauthorized disclosures made by emergency service providers during peer support counseling sessions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.