Bill > HB1352

This bill establishes the Indiana First Responders Mental Health Wellness Fund and Program to provide mental health support for first responders who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of a qualified critical incident in the line of duty. The program allows eligible first responders who are Indiana residents to apply for financial assistance, including coverage for mental health treatment costs and temporary wage compensation. To qualify, a first responder must be diagnosed with PTSD within two years of a qualifying incident (such as a shooting, serious vehicle crash, felonious assault, or colleague's death) by a psychologist or physician, and must not be receiving other forms of compensation like worker's compensation or disability benefits. The program offers up to ten days of wage compensation at 66.2/3% of average weekly wages, with the possibility of an additional 30 weeks of compensation after review by a mental health panel. The bill also protects first responders from employer retaliation when seeking these benefits and ensures that the compensation stops if the individual obtains alternative benefits or new employment. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction will administer the fund and program, which will be funded through state general assembly appropriations, with unused funds rolling over and continuously appropriated for the program's purposes.

Military Affairs and Security

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1352/details