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Iowa House Bill HSB652
Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session
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Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB652

Introduced
2/3/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers.(See HF 2637.)

Impact

The bill introduces a new chapter in Iowa's code, which grants extensive protections for peer support communications. This includes stipulations that allow peer support counselors to maintain confidentiality unless specific conditions arise, such as a disclosed intent to commit a crime or threats of harm. By implementing these changes, the bill aims to promote candid communication among public safety personnel, helping them cope with the stresses and traumas associated with their duties. This could alleviate mental health issues prevalent within the public safety workforce.

Summary

House Study Bill 652 aims to enhance the confidentiality protections for peer support communications involving public safety officers. The bill specifically amends existing laws to clarify that confidential communications made by officers to peer support counselors during peer support or crisis intervention sessions shall not be disclosed or utilized in informal inquiries, formal investigations, or disciplinary proceedings. This legislation is seen as a means to provide a safe space for officers to seek emotional and moral support without the fear of their communications being used against them in subsequent legal processes.

Contention

While supporters argue that this bill will foster an environment where public safety officers feel secure to seek help, concerns have been raised regarding potential risks. Critics argue that extremes of confidentiality could impede necessary investigations or lead to situations where serious threats remain unreported. Balancing the need for confidentiality with public safety requirements presents a key point of contention in discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

IA HF2637

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees.(Formerly HSB 652.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2637

A bill for an act relating to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees.(Formerly HSB 652.)

IA HF2751

A bill for an act relating to criminal acts against persons in certain occupations, including testing for communicable diseases for certain persons who have committed an assault against a member of a protected occupation, certain public safety personnel, including confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees, and obstructing first responders, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 2728.)

IA A09495

Provides confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling.

IA S08769

Provides confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling.

IA HSB625

A bill for an act relating to the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights.(See HF 2675.)

IA HSB201

A bill for an act relating to administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, civil service disciplinary hearings and appeals, and communications in professional confidence, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 921.)

IA SB459

Peace officers: confidential communications: exceptions: group peer support services.

IA HF921

A bill for an act relating to administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, civil service disciplinary hearings and appeals, and communications in professional confidence, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 201.)

IA SF362

A bill for an act relating to administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, civil service disciplinary hearings and appeals, and communications in professional confidence, and including effective date provisions.

IA HSB770

A bill for an act relating to the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, and providing fees.(See HF 2797.)

Similar Bills

IA HF2637

A bill for an act relating to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees.(Formerly HSB 652.)

CA AB1109

An act to amend Sections 912 and 917 of, and to add Article 9.

IA HF2751

A bill for an act relating to criminal acts against persons in certain occupations, including testing for communicable diseases for certain persons who have committed an assault against a member of a protected occupation, certain public safety personnel, including confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees, and obstructing first responders, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 2728.)

NJ S3803

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A1759

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NY A03906

Extends confidentiality privileges to certain communications to or from a licensed mental health counselor in the course of such licensed mental health counselor's professional employment, and to certain employees of such licensed mental health counselor; provides exceptions thereto.

TX HB1503

Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

MS HB1309

Gender dysmorphia; require school personnel to notify parents of students who request to be referred to as different gender.