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Minutes for HB2557 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Expanding the definition of "peer support counseling session" in the rules of evidence.
Minutes Content for Tue, Jan 30, 2024
Chairperson Humphries opened the hearing on HB2557. Natalie Scott reviewed the bill brief. (Attachment 1) Ms. Scott stood for questions.
Proponent
Ed Klumpp (Attachment 2) stated his associations requested this bill to address concerns voiced to them from their Peer Support teams on the limitations in the current statute applying the confidentiality provisions of Peer Support Counseling to only needs resulting from an identifiable duty related activity. It is their desire to expand the confidentiality to other assistance being sought by their employees. They want us to be aware of provisions in the current statute that remain unchanged in the bill allowing certain information to not be protected by confidentiality. You can see those in the bill on page 3, lines 13-32. They have come a long way in the past few years to make their first responders feel that asking for help is okay and not a detriment to their career. But they have a long way to go. They believe this bill will enhance the gains already made on these issues. They ask for your support by moving the bill forward favorably.
Chris Mann (Attachment 3) stated as an advocate for first responders and mental health, First Responder Support Team (FRST Midwest) aims to provide educational programs to promote healthy development following stress and critical incidents experienced by first responders and their families. Confidentiality is a key component of the support provided under the peer support model. In Kansas, the current law allows for confidentiality, but neglects to include the realities of the actual support that is provided. This bill simply clarifies the reality that first responders do not work or live in a sterile, clinical environment. Mr. Mann thanked the committee for their time and consideration in making sure their first responders have the important resources necessary to provide for our communities. FRST asks this bill be passed by the committee.
Captain Candice Breshears (Attachment 4) stated HB2557 would expand the definition of peer support counseling session to include the topics of professional, personal, or social problems or difficult life events rather than only critical incidents or traumatic events. The expansion of the peer support counseling session definition ensures that conversations regarding professional, personal, or social problems or difficult life events that take place during a session remain confidential. It is imperative that their employees understand they are legally protected in these circumstances so that they remain open to contacting their peer support team members when their well-being calls for it. Captain Breshears sincerely thanked the members of this Committee for their consideration of her testimony, and she urged the committee for their support of this bill.
All the proponents stood for questions.
Written Proponent
Karen Blanton, Kansas Bureau of Investigation (Attachment 5)
Steve Kearny, Executive Vice President, Kansas Troopers Association (Attachment 6)
Chairperson Humphries closed the hearing on HB2557.
