House Ohio Passes Legislation Supporting Mental Health of First Responders and Law Enforcement

COLUMBUS – House Bill 545, legislation to create privileged peer support for first responders and law enforcement, was passed by the Ohio House today. Bill sponsors State Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester) recognized the need for improved mental health resources as former first responders themselves. 

“We must do more to support first responders and law enforcement after responding to high-stress calls,” said Abrams. “I’m thankful for the support of the Ohio House and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that the brave individuals protecting our communities feel comfortable utilizing all of their resources.” 

Under the bill, privileged peer support would prohibit a peer support team member from testifying concerning a communication received from an individual receiving peer support services or the team member’s advice to an individual receiving the services. 

The support services would be administered by individuals currently or formerly employed as a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical worker, or corrections officer. Dispatchers and civilian employees of entities that employ the outlined professionals may also qualify. Experience in the field is necessary due to the guidance the legislation would allow, which includes emotional, social, or practical knowledge and experience with navigating resources pertaining to mental health.

Baldridge noted the positive impact peer support services can have on the first responders who receive them. 

“I’d like to thank Speaker Bob Cupp for bringing H.B. 545 to the floor for a vote and to the rest of my colleagues for their unanimous support,” said Baldridge. “This legislation is important to keep our first responders and law enforcement officers healthy and cared for while they continue to protect our communities.” 

While being considered by the House Civil Justice Committee, the measure received overwhelming proponent testimony from various first responders across the state. Amongst others, witnesses represented the City of Cincinnati Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Fire Chief Kelly of Miami Township, Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ohio Fire Chief’s Association, the Greater Montgomery County Fire Chief’s Association and the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters. 

“We applaud Rep. Abrams and Rep. Baldridge for their support of this important issue”, said Chief Steve Kelly, Miami Twp. Fire Chief and Policy Committee Chair for the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association. “HB 545 will allow first responders to have the ability and confidence to work through difficult issues they might be experiencing with the assurance that the conversations they have with their peers have protections in place that have only previously existed in the group setting of CISM/CISD. HB 545 will modernize access to support programs for behavioral health and wellness and will help our first responders to find access to resources they might have been unaware of or afraid to seek out in the past.”

The bill now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.