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HB 6405

AN ACT CONCERNING WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kara Rochelle

Connecticut bill extends workers' compensation coverage to first responders with PTSD and mental health injuries sustained during duty, establishing work-relatedness presumption.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Labor and Public Employees
#emergencypersonnel #post-traumaticstressdisorders #workers'compensation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6405

Legislative bill overview

HB 6405 would extend workers' compensation coverage to first responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, etc.) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health injuries sustained in the line of duty. Currently, most workers' compensation systems require a physical injury or occupational disease to qualify for benefits, effectively excluding psychological injuries from coverage. This bill would create a presumption that PTSD diagnosed in first responders is work-related, shifting the burden of proof.

Why is this important

First responders experience significantly higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide than the general population due to repeated exposure to traumatic events. Without workers' compensation coverage, affected first responders must pursue difficult and often unsuccessful personal injury claims or rely on their own health insurance. This bill would provide crucial financial support, mental health treatment access, and disability benefits to those whose mental health is compromised by job duties.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding workers' compensation coverage increases employer/insurer costs; municipalities and insurance companies may argue about fiscal impact and rate increases
  • Definitional challenges: Questions about what qualifies as a compensable PTSD injury, how to distinguish work-related vs. pre-existing conditions, and preventing fraudulent claims
  • Presumption vs. causation: Creating a presumption that PTSD is work-related may incentivize claims while potentially overextending benefits to cases where work wasn't the primary cause

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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