Committee concurs in SB 394 to extend workers' comp coverage for PTSD for first responders

The House Business and Labor Committee voted to concur in Senate Bill 394, a measure to extend workers' compensation coverage to first responders diagnosed with post‑traumatic stress disorder.

Chair Buttrey introduced the bill as a Senate measure by Senator Newman. Representative Gist described the bill as "not quite ready for prime time" and raised concerns that PTSD is often an accumulation of experiences across an individual’s life and asked who would ultimately bear long‑term costs. Representative Gist urged additional work on allocation of liability rather than immediately assigning lifetime costs to a single employer.

Representative Nickel and Representative DeMorse said they support addressing PTSD for first responders but emphasized proactive programs and interim work. Representative Nickel noted leftover funding from prior mental‑health legislation that could be applied to prevention and recovery programs; DeMorse emphasized capturing and supporting individuals early in order to return them to work.

Supporters argued the proposal offers an option, not an automatic entitlement, and that claims would still undergo review. Representative Steinger said the bill provides another option for those who have served in critical public safety roles and noted that previous coverage for firefighter cancer had resulted in many denials, emphasizing the need for a process rather than blanket entitlements.

The committee took a roll call vote; Chair Buttrey announced "motion passes with 12 4 and 8 against." The bill will move to the floor; members also discussed further interim work to refine definitions, funding, and allocation of employer responsibility.

Members repeatedly requested additional study, more clarifying language and interim solutions to proactively prevent PTSD where possible, while several members said they would support sending the bill to the floor for fuller debate.