Bill · H.R. 8493· House(119-HR-8493)
Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/23/2026
- Last activity
- 4/23/2026 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- Suhas Subramanyam
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026," directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency working group. The group is tasked with reviewing best practices for peer-to-peer behavioral health programs specifically for law enforcement officers and first responders. It aims to issue updated recommendations to Congress to improve mental and behavioral health outcomes, specifically targeting suicide risk and substance use. The working group will include various government officials, law enforcement, and nongovernmental organizations. Finally, the group must publish its findings and submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Mental Health Outcomes: The bill seeks to improve outcomes for law enforcement and first responders by addressing suicide risk and substance use conditions (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Tailored Support Systems: The review process will evaluate programs specifically tailored to the unique operational environments, exposures, and experiences of these professionals (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Enhanced Program Standards: The working group will work toward identifying minimum standards for effective peer-to-peer programs, including training standards, confidentiality protections, and integration with licensed professionals (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Diverse Perspectives in Planning: By including law enforcement officers, first responders, and various government agencies, the bill aims to incorporate a variety of viewpoints and direct experience into the development of these programs (Section 2(c)(1) and (2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
- 4/23/2026
- 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.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Mark AlfordRepublican · Missouri
John RutherfordRepublican · Florida