Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 23, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a temporary federal working group to develop and disseminate best practices and recommendations for peer-to-peer mental health support programs for law enforcement and first responders.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency working group focused on peer-to-peer behavioral health programs for law enforcement officers and first responders. The group will review best practices, considering distinct occupational models, confidentiality, training, and integration with licensed professionals. It is tasked with issuing updated recommendations to Congress on improving mental and behavioral health outcomes, including reducing suicide risk and addressing substance use conditions.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that law enforcement officers and first responders face unique and severe occupational stressors, leading to high rates of mental health issues and suicide. This bill provides a crucial federal initiative to consolidate expertise, identify effective peer support models, and provide standardized guidance, ultimately improving the well-being of these essential personnel and enhancing public safety.
Opponents contend
Potential critics might contend that establishing another federal working group could be an inefficient use of taxpayer resources, or that mental health support for first responders is best addressed through state and local initiatives tailored to specific community needs, rather than through federal mandates or recommendations that may not universally apply.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of Interagency Working Group
This provision mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to create an interagency working group. The group's primary tasks are to review existing best practices for peer-to-peer behavioral health programs tailored for law enforcement and first responders, and to provide updated recommendations to Congress on how to improve mental and behavioral health outcomes, including reducing suicide risk and addressing substance use conditions among these groups.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a federal working group is essential to synthesize fragmented knowledge and provide authoritative, evidence-based guidance for peer support programs, which are uniquely effective for first responders due to shared experiences and trust.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that such a working group adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, and that resources could be better spent directly funding local programs rather than on federal studies and recommendations.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for a coordinated national approach to mental health support for first responders with concerns about federal overreach into local operational matters.
Section 2(b), (c)
Scope of Review and Working Group Membership
This section details the specific requirements for the working group's review and its composition. The review must evaluate programs for distinct occupational models and include best practices for confidentiality, training standards for peer supporters, and integration with licensed mental health professionals. The working group will be composed of the Secretaries of HHS, Attorney General, and Homeland Security, along with representatives from various government agencies, law enforcement officers and first responders (including those with direct experience in peer programs), and representatives from non-governmental organizations, ensuring balanced representation.
Section 2(d), (f)
Reporting Requirements and Working Group Termination
Within one year of the bill's enactment, the working group is required to make a detailed report publicly available on the Department of Health and Human Services website. This report must include evidence-based findings and identify minimum standards for effective peer-to-peer behavioral health programs. Concurrently, the group must submit a report to Congress containing updated recommendations on how these programs fit into the broader behavioral health care continuum and opportunities for federal support. The working group is designed to be temporary, terminating one year after it fulfills these reporting obligations.