Bill > A08037

This bill amends existing municipal law to provide expanded benefits for police officers, correction officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel by explicitly including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a compensable injury. Specifically, the bill creates a presumption that PTSD diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist is work-related and compensable, unless an employer can prove by a preponderance of evidence that the PTSD was caused solely by non-service-related factors. The changes apply to paid firefighters and various law enforcement and emergency personnel across different municipalities, allowing them to receive full salary and medical benefits while disabled due to PTSD. The bill updates language to use gender-neutral terms like "their" instead of "his or her" and ensures that these workers can receive medical treatment and wage compensation for PTSD without being required to prove the disorder was directly caused by their job duties. The legislation aims to provide greater support and recognition of the mental health challenges faced by emergency personnel who are frequently exposed to traumatic situations in the line of duty.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8037