Forest Park reviews participation in GIRMA plan to meet new first-responder PTSD law

Forest Park Mayor and Council discussed joining the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency and adopting a MetLife program to comply with the Ashley Wilson Act (HB 451), a new state law that requires public entities to provide a supplemental benefit program for first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

City staff told the council HB 451 creates a one-time financial safety net to help first responders cover uninsured costs associated with PTSD treatment and recovery and that the program is intended to speed benefit access while protecting confidentiality and employment status. A MetLife representative described a two-part benefit: a diagnostic benefit and a lifetime long-term PTSD disability benefit and asked the council to consider the program.

Staff said participation requires a completed application and a signed participation agreement and that approval of the agenda item would authorize the city to comply with HB 451 and make the benefit available to its first responders. No formal vote to join GIRMA or to adopt a specific plan was recorded during the work session; the matter remained at the discussion stage.

Speakers who addressed the item included city staff and a MetLife representative. Council members did not raise substantive objections during the discussion recorded in the transcript. The item was presented as a compliance and implementation decision that the council may authorize in a future session.

If the council votes in favor on a future agenda, the city would complete the GIRMA application and a participation agreement as required by HB 451. The council did not take final action at this work session.