Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB35 establishes a state-sanctioned Peer Support Network for first responders and, critically, creates a statutory shield against disciplinary action for employees utilizing these services. Effective immediately, private EMS agencies, fire departments, and hospital-based transport services must separate "participation in peer support" from "fitness for duty" evaluations to avoid wrongful termination liability.
Rep. Senfronia Thompson·House Bill·Regular Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-06-20). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
Explore more bills from this author and on related topics
Common questions about HB35
HB35 establishes a state-sanctioned Peer Support Network for first responders and, critically, creates a statutory shield against disciplinary action for employees utilizing these services. Effective immediately, private EMS agencies, fire departments, and hospital-based transport services must separate "participation in peer support" from "fitness for duty" evaluations to avoid wrongful termination liability.
HB35 was authored by Texas Representative Senfronia Thompson during the Regular Session.
HB35 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
HB35 is enforced by Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).
The regulatory priority for HB35 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB35 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB35 addresses topics including disaster preparedness & relief, education, education--higher, education--higher--institutions & programs and fire fighters & police.
Key dates for HB35: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Rulemaking: Develop the first responder peer support network, including training protocols, peer service coordinator standards, and mental health professional screening. (2026-03-31). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB35 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
