SB212 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Peer support members, authorizes Alabama Fire College to certify peer support members, Sec. 36-21-14 am'd.

Summary

The bill would let the Alabama Fire College certify peer support members for emergency responders, in addition to the existing Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency certification.

What This Bill Does

It adds the Alabama Fire College as a certifying authority for peer support members. It defines who can be a certified peer support member and how they get certified (training and written designation by a supervisor). It preserves confidentiality of peer support communications, with specific exceptions, and limits each peer support event to one certified member. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Emergency responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, emergency medical technicians, and chaplains) who may receive peer support and be eligible for certification.
• Emergency service agencies’ leaders (sheriffs, police chiefs, fire chiefs, or other heads of agencies) who designate peer support providers and oversee certification; plus the certifying bodies (Alabama Fire College and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency).

Key Provisions

• Authorizes Alabama Fire College to certify peer support members (in addition to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency).
• Defines Certified Peer Support Member, Emergency Responder, and Peer Support Event.
• Requires certification by training from recognized agencies (International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, National Organization for Victim Assistance, American Red Cross, Regional Counterdrug Training Academy) and written designation by a chief or head of an agency.
• Limits to one certified peer support member per specific peer support event.
• Keeps communications with a certified peer support member privileged, with waivers and specific exceptions where privilege does not apply.
• Sets the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage/approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Peer Support Members