By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Nebraska lawmakers on Jan. 26 heard testimony on bills that would protect confidentiality of peer support conversations for first responders.
• The proposals would bar peer support communications from being used in court or disciplinary actions.
• Sen. Dave Wordekemper, Sen. Dan Lonowski and Sen. Tanya Storer introduced the measures before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.
• First responders told lawmakers confidentiality could increase participation and address burnout, substance abuse and suicide risk.
• Lawmakers took no immediate action following the hearing.
LINCOLN, NE — Nebraska lawmakers heard testimony Jan. 26 on legislative proposals that would establish confidentiality protections for peer support counseling communications for first responders.
The bills, introduced by Fremont State Sen. Dave Wordekemper, Hastings Sen. Dan Lonowski and Whitman Sen. Tanya Storer, would prevent statements from peer support discussions from being used in court or in disciplinary proceedings, lawmakers and supporters said during a Judiciary Committee hearing.
First responders, including police officers and firefighters, testified that the confidential status would encourage participation in peer support programs and help address job-related stress, burnout, substance abuse and suicide risks.
Lincoln Police Department Capt. Max Hubka, who leads his agency’s peer support program, told the committee that protections would provide “psychological safety” and increase engagement in counseling efforts.
Supporters said the bills include exceptions for instances involving homicidal or suicidal ideation, domestic abuse or criminal activity. No lawmakers or groups spoke in opposition during the hearing, and committee members took no immediate action.