Bill > SB28

This bill modifies workers' compensation regulations for emergency responders diagnosed with acute stress disorder (ASD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), creating a legal presumption that these conditions are work-related. Specifically, the bill establishes that for emergency responders, ASD and PTSD will be automatically considered occupationally caused, which makes it easier for these workers to receive workers' compensation benefits. The bill also changes how the "date of injury" is determined for these conditions, aligning it with the rules for occupational diseases or cumulative trauma, which means the date can be more flexibly defined based on when the condition is diagnosed or becomes apparent, rather than requiring a single precise incident date. This change recognizes the complex nature of stress-related mental health conditions that can develop over time due to repeated exposure to traumatic events in emergency response work. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing immediate legal support for emergency responders suffering from ASD or PTSD.

Government Affairs, Labor and Employment

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=353&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB28