Public Safety - Law Enforcement Agencies - Peer Support Programs

HB 309 establishes confidentiality requirements for peer support programs within Maryland law enforcement agencies. It directly affects law enforcement officers using these programs and peer support specialists (trained officers or Fraternal Order of Police members). The bill mandates strict confidentiality for all peer support communications, with limited exceptions for explicit suicide threats, imminent harm to others, required child/vulnerable adult abuse reports, or criminal admissions. Before any session, specialists must provide written notice of these confidentiality rules to participants.