PTSD Bill Passes

May 31, 2019

A short while ago, the House of Representatives unanimously passed PTSD coverage for police officers and firefighters.

SB 164, AN ACT INCLUDING CERTAIN MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF "PERSONAL INJURY" UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION STATUTES, will expand workers compensation coverage in certain situations that result in mental or emotional impairment. The bill will now go to the Governor's desk since it has already been approved by the Senate.

After six years of hard-fought efforts for this bill, this is a good step forward. While this will next go to the Governor's desk to be signed into law, it is fair to say we do not feel that our work is done on this issue. We will be focusing on EMS and people in other high-trauma fields.

Today's bill was a good step in the right direction. Sometimes in policy work you have to take the biggest step you can and come back swinging on the next round. We are relieved to have Fire & Police covered, the work will not stop until we get all first responders and public safety personnel the coverage they need and deserve.