House approves bill allowing coroners, medical examiners to file PTSD workers' compensation claims

The Washington State House approved House Bill 1002, which makes coroners and medical examiners eligible to pursue workers' compensation claims for post‑traumatic stress disorder arising from their work. The bill passed on third reading by a recorded vote of 70 yays, 24 nays and 4 excused.

Representative Abarneau, speaking in support, said the policy was requested by coroners and medical examiners around the state and would "allow them to make those claims when they respond to these situations over and over again" while noting the measure does not create an automatic presumption. Representative Berry said she supported the bill and said it would help "about a 100 workers in our state" who face traumatic exposures on the job.

Opponents raised concerns about program administration and cost. Representative Schmidt said he would vote no, arguing the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) "is not equipped to manage these claims in an effective way," pointing to long waits for care and the possibility of pursuing a pilot program instead.

The House considered and rejected amendment 14‑63 (moved by Representative Schmidt), which sought to confine PTSD claim costs to the affected risk class to control fiscal exposure; the amendment was not adopted. The bill subsequently advanced to third reading and was declared passed.

What happens next: The House recorded final passage on the floor. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.