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TN SB0856

TN SB0856
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 51, Part 2; Title 9; Title 50, Chapter 6 and Title 68, Chapter 102, relative to firefighters.


summary

Introduced
01/30/2023
In Committee
Crossed Over
04/21/2023
Passed
05/17/2023
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/24/2023

Introduced Session

113th General Assembly

Bill Summary

As enacted, enacts the "James 'Dustin' Samples Act." - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 51, Part 2; Title 9; Title 50, Chapter 6 and Title 68, Chapter 102.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "James 'Dustin' Samples Act," makes several key changes related to firefighters in Tennessee. Firstly, it establishes a presumption that if a firefighter is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by a mental health professional due to certain traumatic incidents they responded to, the PTSD is presumed to have been incurred in the line of duty and is compensable under workers' compensation. Secondly, the bill creates a grant program administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to help employers cover the costs of providing workers' compensation for firefighters diagnosed with PTSD. The grant program requires employers to provide mental health awareness training for their personnel. The bill also authorizes the department to promulgate rules to implement these provisions, which will take effect on January 1, 2024.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

Sponsors (33)

Last Action

Effective date(s) 05/17/2023, 01/01/2024 (on 05/24/2023)

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