SB 102 - This act creates new provisions relating to occupational diseases for first responders under workers' compensation laws. Specifically, if, preceding the date of injury or death, an employee who is on active duty as a first responder is diagnosed with a mental impairment and such person was not previously diagnosed such an impairment, then the impairment shall presumptively be considered an occupational disease and shall be presumed to have arisen out of and in the course of employment. This presumption may be rebutted by the employer or insurer. One or more compensable mental impairment claims arising out of a single accident shall constitute a single injury. Furthermore, a mental impairment shall not be considered an occupational disease if it results from a disciplinary action, work evaluation, job transfer, layoff, demotion, promotion, termination, retirement, or similar action taken in good faith by the employer.
This act is identical to SB 710 (2020) and a provision in SCS/HB 1559 (2020) and substantially similar to HB 1739 (2020), HB 1965 (2020), and SB 281 (2019).
SCOTT SVAGERA