HB2977 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 29609 LNS 56004 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB2977

Introduced 2/16/2023, by Rep. Adam M. Niemerg

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

735 ILCS 5/8-803.1 new

Amends the Privileged Communications Part of the Evidence Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that a peer support advisor shall not be compelled to disclose in any court, or to any administrative board or agency, or to any public officer, a confession or admission made to him or her within his or her capacity as a peer support advisor, nor be compelled to divulge any information which has been obtained by him or her in his or her capacity as a peer support advisor. Includes legislative findings.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning civil law.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Legislative findings. It has been found by the General Assembly of the State of Illinois that having healthy police officers is an asset to communities throughout Illinois and therefore, in an effort to support wellness of these officers, both active and retired, we hereby create the status of peer support advisor.

Section 5. The Code of Civil Procedure is amended by adding Section 8-803.1 as follows:

(735 ILCS 5/8-803.1 new)

Sec. 8-803.1. Peer support advisor. A peer support advisor shall not be compelled to disclose in any court, or to any administrative board or agency, or to any public officer, a confession or admission made to him or her within his or her capacity as a peer support advisor, nor be compelled to divulge any information which has been obtained by him or her in his or her capacity as a peer support advisor.

As used in this Section, "peer support advisor" means an employee, approved by the law enforcement agency or the emergency provider, who voluntarily provides confidential support and assistance to fellow employees experiencing personal or professional problems. An emergency services provider or law enforcement agency shall provide peer support advisors with an appropriate level of training in counseling to provide emotional and moral support.