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CS/HB 421 — Peer Support for First Responders
by Criminal Justice Subcommittee and Rep. Maggard and others (CS/SB 86 by Criminal Justice Committee and Senators Burgess and Collins)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill (Chapter 2025-9, L.O.F.) amends s. 111.09, F.S., relating to peer support for first responders, to revise the definition of “first responder,” to include support personnel as defined in s. 943.10(11), F.S., who are involved in investigating a crime scene or collecting or processing evidence.
Section 943.10(11), F.S., provides that “support personnel” means any person employed or appointed by an employing agency who is not an officer or, as specified by the commission, other professional employee in the criminal justice system.
Under the bill, such support personnel are eligible to receive peer support and the confidentiality of communications made while participating in peer support.
These provisions were approved by the Governor and take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 113-0