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Committee advances bill to extend EAP and PTSD coverage to volunteer firefighters
Summary
H.B. 1761 would expand the state employee assistance program to active volunteer firefighters and require departments to submit rosters; Fayette County Fire Chief Rich Hartfield testified about suicide and PTSD in the volunteer fire service. The bill was sent to Finance, Ways and Means.
Representative Gantt introduced H.B. 1761 to extend the state employee assistance program (EAP) to active members of volunteer fire departments, expand access to PTSD treatment for part-time public safety employees, and make administrative changes to recognition and reporting.
Fayette County Fire Chief Rich Hartfield testified that volunteer and career firefighters face rising mental-health needs and suicides and said many volunteers lack access to EAP benefits: "PTSD and mental health is, taken very seriously by the Chiefs Association." He urged the committee to approve expanded access.
Committee members asked about coverage rates and distinctions between volunteer and career staff; Chief Hartfield estimated about 65% of the state's firefighting force is volunteer. The clerk announced 21 ayes and 0 nos and the bill was moved to Finance, Ways and Means.
