AR SB727

Exempts emergency responders from the requirement that mental injuries be caused by physical injury to be compensable under workers' compensation, while victims of crimes of violence retain this exemption.

Defines "emergency responder" as compensated persons or volunteers responding to disasters or emergencies in assigned public safety roles, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency management personnel, emergency medical personnel, and emergency service personnel.

Requires mental injuries or illnesses to be diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist and meet criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be compensable.

Increases disability benefits cap for mental injury or illness claims from 26 weeks to 52 weeks.

Allows death compensation to dependents if death results within one year from last compensation payment or two years from injury date (whichever is longer), with emergency responders exempted from the one-year time limitation on compensable deaths related to mental injury or illness.