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SD 2035

An Act relative to 911 emergency telecommunicators inclusion in the heart bill

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

Massachusetts bill expands Heart Bill presumptive illness coverage to 911 emergency dispatchers previously excluded from occupational health protections.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2035

Legislative bill overview

SD 2035 seeks to include 911 emergency telecommunicators (dispatchers) under Massachusetts' "Heart Bill," which provides public safety employees with presumptive coverage for certain occupational illnesses and heart conditions. Currently, the Heart Bill covers police officers, firefighters, and other first responders, but excludes 911 dispatchers despite their high-stress roles in emergency response.

Why is this important

911 dispatchers face chronic stress, long hours, and traumatic exposure similar to field-based first responders, yet receive no presumptive illness protections. This creates a disparity where dispatchers dealing with critical emergencies receive fewer health benefits than officers in the field. Including them could significantly impact workers' compensation claims and healthcare coverage for a previously excluded occupational group.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding Heart Bill coverage increases state liability and workers' compensation insurance costs, raising questions about fiscal impact and sustainability
  • Medical causation standards: Establishing presumptive illness for dispatchers requires defining which conditions qualify, potentially creating disputes over stress-related versus occupational causation
  • Scope creep concerns: Some may argue this expansion could lead to demands to include other emergency services support staff (IT technicians, administrative personnel), further expanding costs

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

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