A.G. Gancarski
People who investigate crime scenes and process evidence will be treated like first responders when they need help dealing with trauma.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation (HB 421) that would make those support personnel eligible for peer support — protected with confidentiality — when such support is needed after dealing with a crime scene or evidence.
This gives them the same benefit that first responders get, a “provision of physical, moral, or emotional support … by a first responder peer for the purpose of addressing physical or emotional conditions or other issues associated with being a first responder.”
Peers offering support are not health care practitioners; rather, they are first responders with training in helping their colleagues deal with workplace-related trauma.
The bill goes into effect July 1.
It got unanimous support at all committee stops and on the floor of the Senate and House.
