Bill > SB5882

This bill expands industrial insurance (workers' compensation) coverage for posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) affecting local correctional facility workers, creating a legal presumption that PTSD is an occupational disease for these employees. Specifically, the bill establishes that local correctional facility workers who have been fully employed for at least 90 consecutive days are presumed to have developed PTSD as a work-related condition, which can be challenged only by presenting strong contrary evidence. The presumption extends for three months per year of employment, up to a maximum of 60 months after leaving the job. The bill also includes provisions that if a worker successfully appeals a denied PTSD claim, the opposing party must pay all reasonable appeal costs, including attorneys' fees. A "local correctional facility worker" is defined as an individual working at a facility as defined in RCW 70.48.020. The law will take effect on January 1, 2027, and is similar to existing provisions for other first responders like firefighters and law enforcement officers, who already have similar PTSD presumption protections under industrial insurance rules.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5882&Year=2025&Initiative=false