119 HR 8493 IH: Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026 U.S. House of Representatives 2026-04-23 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8493IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 23, 2026Mr. Subramanyam (for himself, Mr. Alford, and Mr. Rutherford) introduced the following bill; which was 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 concernedA BILLTo direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to establish an interagency working group on peer-to-peer behavioral health programs for law enforcement officers and first responders, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026.

2.

Interagency working group on peer-to-peer behavioral health programs for law enforcement officers and first responders

(a)

Establishment

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish an interagency working group to— (1)review best practices for peer-to-peer behavioral health programs that are tailored to law enforcement officers and first responders; and (2)issue updated recommendations to Congress on ways to improve mental and behavioral health outcomes for law enforcement officers and first responders, including ways of reducing suicide risk and addressing substance use conditions. (b)

Review of best practices

In conducting the review under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall— (1)ensure that peer-to-peer behavioral health programs are evaluated for distinct occupational models given the unique operational environments, exposures, and experiences; and (2)include best practices relating to— (A) confidentiality protections; (B)training standards for peer supporters; and (C)integration of services with licensed mental and behavioral health professionals. (c)

Members

(1)

In general

The working group shall be composed of the following members: (A)The Secretary. (B)The Attorney General. (C)The Secretary of Homeland Security. (D)Representatives of Federal, State, Tribal, territorial, and local government agencies employing law enforcement officers and first responders, to be appointed by the Secretary. (E)Law enforcement officers and first responders, to be appointed by the Secretary, including law enforcement officers and first responders with direct experience participating in peer-to-peer behavioral health programs. (F)Representatives of nongovernmental organizations, including organizations that support the interests of law enforcement officers and first responders, to be appointed by the Secretary. (2)

Balanced representation

In appointing members under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall seek to achieve a membership that represents a variety of viewpoints across agencies, organizations, and experience levels. (d)

Publication requirement; report to Congress

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the working group shall— (1) make publicly available on the internet website of the Department of Health and Human Services a report detailing the results of the review to be conducted under subsection (a)(1), including— (A) a compilation of evidence-based findings; and (B) an identification of minimum standards for effective peer-to-peer behavioral health programs for law enforcement officers and first responders; and (2)submit to Congress a report containing the updated recommendations to be issued under subsection (a)(2), including recommendations on— (A)how peer-to-peer behavioral health programs for law enforcement officers and first responders should function as a part of the broader continuum of behavioral health care; and (B)opportunities for providing Federal grant guidance, technical assistance, and interagency coordination to support implementation of effective peer-to-peer behavioral health programs. (e)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

First responder

The term first responder includes firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, public safety telecommunicators, corrections public safety personnel, and such other emergency response personnel as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (2)

Secretary

The term Secretary means, unless otherwise indicated, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. (f)

Termination

The working group shall terminate on the date that is one year after the date on which the working group complies with the requirements of subsection (d). (g)

Evaluation of need for updating recommendations

Following the termination date established by subsection (f), the Secretary may submit to Congress a request to reconvene the working group if the Secretary determines that there is a need to further— (1)update recommendations on ways to improve mental health outcomes for law enforcement officers and first responders; or (2)review best practices for peer-to-peer behavior health programs that are tailored to law enforcement officers and first responders. (h)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.