Nebraska senators combine three bills to give first responders confidential peer‑support protections

Lincoln — Senators Wednesday heard hours of testimony on three companion bills that would make peer‑support communications between first responders and trained peer counselors confidential and privileged.

Senator Dan Linowski, the lead introducer for LB804, told the Judiciary Committee the measure would make communications during peer support sessions “confidential with specific stipulations” and not subject to disclosure in civil, criminal or administrative proceedings. Linowski said he offered amendment AM1749 to remove the Nebraska National Guard from state coverage because Guard members are under federal jurisdiction.

Senator Dave Wortenkemper and Senator Tanya Storer described LB755 and LB816 as complementary measures with the same intent: protect conversations so officers, firefighters, EMS workers and 911 dispatchers will seek help early. “Peer support programs have emerged as the most effective wellness resource for first responders,” Storer said, citing national survey findings and stressing that the bills do not create or mandate a statewide program.

Dozens of law‑enforcement and fire officials, peer‑support coordinators and clinicians testified in favor. Capt. Max Hubka of the Lincoln Police Department described a 12‑member peer‑support leadership team and said, “we stress confidentiality within our team,” adding that the bills spell out exceptions for imminent self‑harm, criminal activity and mandatory reporting so safety and accountability are preserved. Matt Tennant, a captain with Omaha Fire and a drafter of LB755, said peer support is “not therapy” but a culturally competent, early‑intervention resource that fails without legal protections.

Proponents pointed to access gaps in rural Nebraska: Dr. Deb Hoffman, psychologist for the Nebraska State Patrol, said 88 of 93 counties have a shortage of mental‑health professionals and argued peer support fills that gap. Several witnesses recommended clarifying training and certification standards during the amendment process so smaller agencies are not unduly burdened.

Senator Storer said the bills include explicit exceptions for mandatory reporting, criminal conduct and threats of harm and that the legislation is designed not to interfere with internal investigations or criminal prosecutions. She and the other sponsors said they plan to combine the strongest elements of each bill into a single amended measure for committee consideration.

The committee recorded written submissions: LB804 drew 12 proponent comments and no opponents; LB755 had seven proponent and one neutral; LB816 had four proponent comments and no oppositions. No formal vote was taken. The matter remains in committee for amendment and further drafting.