SB 103-PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING PROGRAM  3:21:30 PM CHAIR SHAW announced that the final only order of business would be SENATE BILL NO. 103, "An Act relating to peer support counseling programs for law enforcement agencies, emergency service providers, and the Department of Corrections." 3:21:48 PM SENATOR FOREST DUNBAR, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, paraphrased the sponsor statement for SB 103 [copy included in the committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: SB 103 PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING PROGRAM establishes the ability for law enforcement officers and first responders to seek mental health counseling rfrom trained peer counselors while protecting their identity. Under current law, public safety officers are extremely limited in their options to discuss stressful and traumatic events that occur in their workplace because they are often, by their nature, related to criminal investigations. SB 103 addresses the critical need to de-stigmatize mental health issues that affect many public safety officers by providing a safe and confidential way for them to talk about emotionally intense aspects of their work. The confidentiality created by the peer counseling program does not apply to any threats made by the participant, nor does it apply to admission of criminal conduct. SB 103 allows existing agencies to establish a peer support counseling program without mandating changes to those agencies. A law enforcement agency, emergency service provider, or the Department of Corrections will have the opportunity to designate an existing employee as a peer counselor if they have prior counseling training. Any participant who seeks counseling from their designated peer is guaranteed confidentiality in those communications. Confidential space for participants to discuss emotionally traumatic events is key for creating effective Critical Incident Stress Management debriefs, which the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration recognizes as crucial for preventing and mitigating the effects of trauma. SB 103 will ultimately provide emotional relief and a path to healing for the Alaskans who bear the burden of protecting the public. I urge you to support SB 103. SENATOR DUNBAR explained that 30 percent of first responders develop depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Police officers and fire fighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty 3:23:35 PM CHAIR SHAW noted that Commissioner Cockrell and representatives from the Anchorage Police Department were available for questions. 3:24:14 PM The committee took a brief at-ease. 3:24:24 PM SENATOR DUNBAR asked to hear invited testimony from Commissioner Cockrell. 3:24:39 PM JAMES COCKRELL, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety, stated that the Department of Public Safety supports SB 103. He described the accumulation of traumatic events that people who work in law enforcement experience. He noted the stigma of seeking help to work through trauma and the success of peer counseling efforts throughout the department. He emphasized the importance of confidentiality and how it is critical to a prosperous peer counseling system. He reported that throughout 2023, 1,900 peer support contacts were made throughout the department. A law that guarantees confidentiality would help to safeguard the trust that first responders put into the peer counselling program. 3:27:33 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked about the use of the word "counselor" in SB 103 and the parameters of counselor training. 3:28:19 PM SENATOR DUNBAR acknowledged that there are medical professionals who are called counselors and that peer support counselors are not licensed counselors. 3:28:54 PM SERGEANT KELLY HUSTON, Peer Support Team Coordinator, Anchorage Police Department, explained that peer counselors receive training and certification through a 40-hour course with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. She said peer counselors do not have advanced degrees. REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK noted that the semantics between "counselor" and "peer counselor" may be misleading for people who may need additional support from professional licensed counselors. 3:30:51 PM SENATOR DUNBAR said the term that should be utilized is "peer counselor" and stated his understanding that peer counseling is not a substitute for therapy or medical treatment. 3:31:17 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER asked about confidentiality and whether it would apply to an admission of criminal conduct in a peer counseling session. 3:32:10 PM COMMISSIONER COCKRELL stated that training empowers peer counselors to discontinue peer support in the event the crimes are admitted to during a counseling session. Peer counselors are required to report any criminal offenses. COMMISSIONER COCKRELL explained that if the needs of a public safety employee are beyond the help of what a peer counselor can provide, professional help can be sought elsewhere. 3:33:45 PM REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD asked about confidentiality safeguards. COMMISSIONER COCKRELL said the department has strict guidelines about confidentiality. If confidentiality were in question, an internal investigation would occur, and discipline would be given in accordance with the level of violation. SENATOR DUNBAR asked to hear Seargent Huston's point of view regarding confidentiality. 3:35:33 PM SERGEANT HUSTON said that members of the peer support team are required to sign a confidentiality agreement. She noted that peer counselors are volunteers and are selected through internal recommendation. Confidentiality has yet to be a significant issue within the program. There would be an internal personnel process if confidentiality complaints came to light. 3:37:42 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked if the term "counselor" should be changed to "peer counselor" throughout the bill to ensure clarity. 3:38:35 PM SENATOR DUNBAR stated that he is not opposed to a clarifying amendment. CHAIR SHAW announced that SB 103 was held over.