Bill > HB1070

This bill expands industrial insurance coverage for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to include correctional facility workers, creating a legal presumption that PTSD is an occupational disease for these workers. The bill defines "correctional facility workers" broadly, covering staff at correctional facilities, community corrections officers, staff at juvenile institutions, and jail staff. To qualify, a worker must have been fully employed in such a role in Washington state for at least 90 consecutive days, and the PTSD must develop during or shortly after their employment. The presumption can be rebutted by contrary evidence and extends for three calendar months per year of employment, up to a maximum of 60 months after the last date of employment. If a worker's PTSD claim is appealed and ultimately approved, the bill requires that all reasonable appeal costs, including attorney and witness fees, be paid to the claimant by the opposing party. The bill specifically excludes PTSD claims that are directly attributed to good-faith disciplinary actions, job transfers, layoffs, or terminations. The provisions of this bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing a structured approach to recognizing the potential psychological impacts of working in high-stress correctional environments.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1070&Year=2025&Initiative=false