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House committee debates extending workers' compensation to first responders with PTSD
Summary
Lawmakers debated House Bill 552, which would expand Montana workers' compensation to cover post-traumatic stress disorder for defined first responders. Supporters described the bill as a needed protection; opponents raised equal-protection and cost concerns and questioned whether workers' compensation is the appropriate vehicle.
House Bill 552, a proposal to extend workers' compensation coverage to first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, drew extended debate in the Montana House during second-reading consideration.
The bill, introduced and carried by Representative Revas, would amend Montana's workers' compensation laws to cover PTSD for certain people who experience traumatic events while working in roles such as professional or volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, employees of county detention centers or prisons, and emergency care providers. "This bill provides workers compensation coverage to our first responders who are diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD from events that happened to them while on the job," Representative Revas said during floor remarks.
Supporters said the change recognizes the unique risks first responders accept. Representative DeMorse urged colleagues to "trust us" and said many first responders prefer to return to work after treatment rather than remain sidelined. One lawmaker cited that 38 states have adopted similar measures, saying those states have seen improved access to care for responders.
Opponents focused on fiscal and legal risks. Representative Teal said, "I must stand in strong opposition, not to the idea of helping first responders, ... but to the proposed solution that could severely damage the work comp system and thousands of other Montanans, workers, small businesses, and industries." Teal argued PTSD claims are harder to quantify than physical injuries and warned of higher rates and litigation. Representative Byrne pointed to the fiscal note and highlighted "two technical issues. Both have constitutional concerns" including equal-protection and unlawful-delegation arguments.
Members discussed the bill's definitions and an amendment that clarified the scope of "emergency care provider," narrowing that term to EMTs and paramedics for the purposes of the bill. Representative Teal and others asked whether the coverage would apply to volunteers; the sponsor replied that the bill’s language — vetted with firefighter associations — includes both professional and volunteer firefighters.
No final floor vote on HB 552 is recorded in the provided transcript excerpt. During debate members repeatedly asked for careful consideration of fiscal estimates and constitutional exposure, and several said they support first responders but remain unconvinced this statutory approach is the correct tool.
The committee record shows the motion to recommend HB 552 “do pass” was made by Representative Revas; debate followed but the transcript excerpt ends before a final tally.
Looking ahead, opponents asked for additional fiscal analysis and legal review before a final vote, while supporters urged passage to expand access to treatment for first responders who experience job-related trauma.
