A 7285 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to the first responder peer support program act

This bill establishes the "First Responder Peer Support Program Act" to create a statewide grant program for peer-to-peer mental health support services. It directly affects first responders - including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 operators, and correctional officers - by providing funding for local programs offering trauma-informed training and mental health resources. Key provisions include requiring standardized training on trauma, suicide prevention, and resilience; mandating strict confidentiality for participants; and prohibiting disclosure of personal information to employers. Grants are allocated to eligible local entities, with annual reports tracking program use without identifying individuals.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 25, 2025 Last action May 19, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

A7285 → A7285A · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand the definition of 'first responders' to include probation, parole, and court officers, in addition to existing roles like firefighters and police. The program now explicitly allows local government units to apply for grants and requires a new annual reporting system to track how funds are used and the number of people served. Confidentiality rules were strengthened to protect first responders' communications unless there is an imminent threat of harm.

Scope change

The scope of the program was broadened to include a wider range of public safety and correctional personnel, and the eligibility criteria were updated to explicitly include local governmental units.

SCOPE

Added probation officers, parole officers, warrant officers, constables, court officers, park rangers, coroners, and medical examiners to the list of eligible first responders.

ELIGIBILITY

Explicitly stated that local governmental units are eligible to apply for and receive grants.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new requirement for grant recipients to submit annual reports detailing fund allocation, services provided, and recommendations for future funding.

Established a new confidentiality provision protecting first responder communications, with specific exceptions for imminent danger, threats of self-harm, child abuse, or vulnerable adult protection.

DEFINITION

Expanded the description of training to include suicide or self-harm prevention, addiction science, and resilience training.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 19, 2026

Committee

REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS

lower

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH

lower

May 29, 2025

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 7285A

lower

May 29, 2025

Lower · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO MENTAL HEALTH

lower

Mar 25, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH

lower

1 primary · 32 co-sponsors