Bill > A03549

This bill amends the New York civil service law to require that emergency dispatchers and correction officers receive the same mental health benefits and services for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as police officers and firefighters do within a municipality. Specifically, the bill mandates that these employees will be entitled to identical diagnostic and treatment services for PTSD, accessed through the same policies and procedures as those available to police and fire personnel. Any collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts must include these equivalent PTSD benefits and services. The bill also allows employee organizations representing emergency dispatchers and correction officers to negotiate for potentially expanded or enhanced PTSD treatment benefits beyond the baseline established for police and firefighters. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition typically triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, which can cause severe anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional and psychological symptoms. The bill recognizes the high-stress nature of emergency and correctional work and seeks to provide comparable mental health support for these public service professionals. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3549