H.270 is a bill introduced to ensure the confidentiality of communications made during peer support counseling sessions for emergency service providers in Vermont. The bill adds 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." It establishes that any communication made during these sessions, whether oral or written, is confidential and cannot be disclosed by participants. Additionally, it specifies that written records related to these sessions are exempt from public inspection under the Public Records Act.

The bill outlines exceptions to confidentiality, particularly concerning threats of suicide or homicide, child or vulnerable adult abuse, and admissions of criminal conduct. It also clarifies that confidentiality protections apply only when the counseling is conducted by trained individuals designated by an employer. Furthermore, the bill states that employers will not be held liable for any unauthorized disclosures made by emergency service providers during these sessions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.