Bill > HB2060

This bill expands workers' compensation benefits for law enforcement officers and firefighters who develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorder, or depressive disorder as a result of a qualifying event in the line of duty. The bill increases the maximum duration of workers' compensation benefits from 52 weeks to 104 weeks for anxiety and depressive disorders, and from 52 weeks to 500 weeks for PTSD. A "qualifying event" includes incidents involving serious bodily injury or death, harm to minors, immediate life threats, mass casualties, or responding to crime scenes. To be eligible, the mental health condition must be diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional, directly result from a specific on-duty event, and not stem from disciplinary actions or workplace changes. The bill also requires employers to provide peer support and mental health referrals, and mandates that fire basic training programs include resilience and self-care techniques. The goal is to provide more comprehensive support for first responders who experience mental health challenges as a direct consequence of their demanding and often traumatic professional duties.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2060