FL S1490

Expands the definition of "first responder" to include correctional officers, 911 public safety telecommunicators, and federal law enforcement officers, in addition to law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics

Creates a new section of law (s. 112.18156) making posttraumatic stress disorder suffered by crime scene investigators a compensable occupational disease under workers' compensation when resulting from qualifying events such as witnessing deaths, homicides, mass killings, deaths of minors, or viewing decedents in advanced decomposition

Allows PTSD diagnoses for both correctional officers and crime scene investigators to be made through telehealth, and requires the disorder be demonstrated by clear and convincing medical evidence

Benefits for crime scene investigators do not require a physical injury and are exempt from apportionment for preexisting PTSD, temporary benefit limitations, and the 1-percent cap on permanent psychiatric impairment benefits; claims must be noticed within 52 weeks of the qualifying event or diagnosis

Increases Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates by 0.01 percentage point each for the Regular Class, Special Risk Class, and DROP to fund the benefit changes, effective July 1, 2024