Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8493
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-20T15:36:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026 (H.R. 8493)
Purpose
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to create a temporary interagency working group. The group's goal is to review best practices for peer-to-peer behavioral health programs (support networks where trained peers help others with mental health issues) tailored to law enforcement officers and first responders, and to provide recommendations to improve their mental health outcomes, including reducing suicide risk and addressing substance use.
Key Provisions
- Establishment and Tasks:
- Review best practices, considering unique job-related stresses for different roles.
- Focus on confidentiality protections, training for peer supporters, and linking to licensed mental health professionals.
- Issue updated recommendations to Congress on integrating these programs into broader mental health care and federal support options like grants and technical assistance.
- Membership:
- Core members: HHS Secretary, Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security.
- Additional appointees by HHS: representatives from federal, state, Tribal, territorial, and local agencies; active or experienced law enforcement officers and first responders; and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) supporting these groups.
- Ensures balanced viewpoints.
- Deliverables (due within 1 year of enactment):
- Public report on HHS website with evidence-based findings and minimum standards for effective programs.
- Report to Congress with recommendations.
- Definitions:
- First responder: Firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, public safety telecommunicators (e.g., 911 dispatchers), corrections personnel, and others as determined by HHS.
- Termination: Group ends 1 year after reports are completed; HHS can request reconvening if updates are needed.
- Funding: Authorizes necessary appropriations (does not allocate specific funds).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new interagency working group with no direct amendments to prior laws.
- Creates first federal mandate for a coordinated review and standardization of peer-to-peer mental health programs specifically for law enforcement and first responders.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires coordination among HHS, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and others; may lead to new grant programs or technical support, increasing administrative workload short-term.
- Citizens (Law Enforcement and First Responders): Could improve access to tailored mental health support, potentially lowering suicide rates and substance use through better peer programs.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: Law enforcement officers and first responders (including firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, corrections staff).
- Government: HHS, DOJ, DHS, state/local/Tribal agencies employing these workers.
- Others: NGOs supporting first responders; mental health professionals.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Emphasizes confidentiality in peer programs, aligning with privacy laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects health information).
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; supports general welfare under the Constitution's spending power via authorized appropriations.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (noted introducers); temporary nature limits long-term costs while promoting interagency collaboration on a high-profile issue (first responder mental health). May influence future funding for behavioral health initiatives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-23: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-23 — PDF (6 pages)