CT HB05279

Expands workers' compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) by adding a new qualifying event: witnessing a serious physical injury to a person that does not result in death or permanent disfigurement

Applies to police officers, parole officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, Department of Correction employees, telecommunicators, and all employees (as of January 1, 2024)

"Serious physical injury" is defined by reference to existing Connecticut law (section 53a-3)

Effective date is October 1, 2026, amending section 31-294k(a) of the general statutes

Current law already covers witnessing deaths, deceased minors, and traumatic injuries resulting in loss of vital body parts or permanent disfigurement; this bill fills the gap for serious injuries that don't meet those thresholds