Bill > HB132

This bill establishes a new law in New Mexico that creates a list of health conditions presumed to be caused by a police officer's job, making it easier for them to receive workers' compensation benefits. The bill defines "duty belt" as the belt officers wear to carry essential equipment and "police officer" broadly to include various law enforcement roles, even those at missile range civilian police departments and sheriffs' offices. Specifically, it presumes that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), back pain from wearing a duty belt, and heart issues are work-related if diagnosed after a certain period of service (20 years if hired before July 1, 2013, and 25 years if hired on or after that date), provided these conditions weren't apparent during initial medical screenings. While these presumptions can be challenged if an officer engaged in risky activities outside of work, employers are required to provide medical treatment for these conditions as if they were job-related until a court rules otherwise, with provisions for reimbursement if the presumption is overturned.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=132&year=26