MN HF4026

Starting January 1, 2023, public employers must provide annual wellness training to peace officers and firefighters or offer an employee assistance/peer support program to remain eligible for reimbursement under the public safety officer's benefit account.

Creates a new duty disability procedure for peace officers and firefighters diagnosed with mental illness, requiring initial approval followed by a minimum 32-week treatment period before final determination, with employers paying treatment costs.

Employees receiving treatment must have wages, salaries, health insurance benefits, and retirement contributions continued by employers, with employers eligible for reimbursement from the commissioner of public safety.

Requires the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to establish wellness training learning objectives for peace officers by February 1, 2023, incorporating stress and trauma management methods; requires preservice training before July 1, 2024, and annual in-service training beginning July 1, 2023.

Appropriates funds from the general fund for reimbursing employers for treatment costs, continued wages and benefits, position backfilling, and wellness training reimbursement under section 299A.465.