SF1959 Summary

• Creates new psychological condition treatment procedures for peace officers and firefighters, requiring up to 24 weeks of active treatment before disability benefits eligibility, with employer-provided salary and benefits continuation during treatment period.

• Establishes psychological condition treatment accounts ($1 million for MSRS, $3 million for PERA) and appropriates $100 million to public safety officer's benefit account for reimbursements and administrative costs.

• Requires peace officers and firefighters to complete annual wellness training or participate in employee/peer support programs starting January 1, 2024, to be eligible for public employer reimbursement.

• Increases duty disability benefits for total and permanent disability from 60 percent to 99 percent of average salary for police and fire plan members, effective July 1, 2023.

• Creates wellness training requirements for peace officers with learning objectives established by Peace Officer Standards and Training Board and mandatory training for all peace officers by July 1, 2024.