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ME LD82

ME LD82
An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Laws by Extending Indefinitely the Presumption Applying to Law Enforcement Officers, Corrections Officers, E-9-1-1 Dispatchers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Persons Diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

summary

Introduced
01/06/2025
In Committee
01/06/2025
Crossed Over
05/13/2025
Passed
06/25/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
07/01/2025

Introduced Session

132nd Legislature

Bill Summary

An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Laws by Extending Indefinitely the Presumption Applying to Law Enforcement Officers, Corrections Officers, E-9-1-1 Dispatchers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Persons Diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Mandate preamble. This measure requires one or more local units of government to expand or modify activities so as to necessitate additional expenditures from local revenues but does not provide funding for at least 90% of those expenditures. Pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 21, 2/3 of all of the members elected to each House have determined it necessary to enact this measure. Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and Whereas, the presumption applying to law enforcement officers, corrections officers, E-9-1-1 dispatchers, firefighters and emergency medical services persons diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in the workers' compensation laws is necessary for the recruitment and retainment of professionals employed in these career fields; and Whereas, the presumption is set to expire on October 1, 2025, which may be before the 90-day period has ended; and Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

AI Summary

This bill extends indefinitely a workers' compensation presumption for law enforcement officers, corrections officers, E-9-1-1 dispatchers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specifically, the bill removes the current expiration date for this presumption, which was previously set to end on October 1, 2025. The presumption means that if these first responders and emergency personnel are diagnosed with PTSD, it is automatically considered work-related, making it easier for them to receive workers' compensation benefits without having to prove that the condition was directly caused by their job. The bill is being enacted as an emergency measure to ensure continuity of this support for these critical professional workers, recognizing the high-stress nature of their occupations and the potential mental health challenges they face. By making the presumption permanent, the legislation aims to support recruitment and retention of professionals in these essential public safety roles.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Governor's Action: Emergency Signed, Jul 1, 2025 (on 07/01/2025)

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