The bill introduces a new section, 18 V.S.A. 7257c, which establishes confidentiality protections for peer support communications among emergency service providers in Vermont. It defines "emergency service provider" to include various roles such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers, and mental health professionals, among others. The bill outlines the parameters of peer support sessions, which are designed to assist emergency service providers dealing with trauma or chronic stress. It specifies that communications made during these sessions are confidential and not subject to public records inspection, and they cannot be used in judicial or administrative proceedings, with certain exceptions for threats to safety or legal obligations to report abuse.

Additionally, the bill provides that employers and peer support specialists are not liable for injuries or damages arising from the provision of peer support services, unless gross negligence or intentional misconduct is proven. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.