H.B. 556 Summary

• Creates a new state post-traumatic stress disorder coverage fund to provide compensation, medical benefits, and disability retirement for peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical workers diagnosed with PTSD without accompanying physical injury.

• Establishes that eligible workers receive 66⅔% of their average weekly wage (between minimum of 33⅓% and maximum of statewide average weekly wage) for total disability, with a one-week waiting period waived for medical services.

• Requires public employers to pay annual premiums into the fund by December 31st, with the Director of Public Safety classifying worker types and establishing risk-based premium rates sufficient to maintain fund solvency.

• Limits compensation and medical benefits to one year from commencement, with possible one-year extension upon psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist recommendation.

• Provides immunity from common law damages for public employers and their employees for PTSD diagnoses occurring during periods covered by paid premiums, unless the employer fails to pay required premiums.