Bill > A02485

This bill allows first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel employed by the state, public authorities, or municipal corporations, to request line of duty sick leave if they are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by a licensed psychiatrist as a result of their job duties. Under this legislation, when a first responder submits a written request, they will be granted sick leave starting from the date of their PTSD diagnosis, and they will be compensated at their regular pay rate without losing accrued sick or vacation leave. The bill also protects first responders from adverse personnel actions, such as discipline, discharge, suspension, demotion, or discrimination, for utilizing or requesting this specialized sick leave. Additionally, the state will reimburse public authorities or municipal corporations with fewer than one million people for the cost of this line of duty sick leave. The act takes effect immediately and includes a provision that retroactively restores sick leave for employees currently diagnosed with PTSD, ensuring they can benefit from these new protections from the date of their initial diagnosis.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2485