Overview: Bill Number: HD 2686, Title: An Act relative to the disability or death caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Status: Proposed Bill, Introduced: November 29, 2025
Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of this bill is to establish a framework for recognizing and addressing the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on individuals, particularly those who have served in the armed forces or other high-risk professions.
Key Provisions:
- Defines PTSD as a compensable work-related injury or illness for the purposes of workers' compensation and other state-provided benefits
- Requires state agencies and programs to provide specialized support and services for individuals suffering from PTSD, including access to mental health treatment and rehabilitation
- Establishes a PTSD awareness and education campaign to help reduce stigma and promote early intervention
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Individuals, including veterans and first responders, who are suffering from PTSD as a result of their work or service
- Families and loved ones of those affected by PTSD, who may also require support and resources
- State agencies and programs that provide workers' compensation, healthcare, and other social services, as they will need to adapt their policies and procedures
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
This bill has been proposed and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. If introduced, it will need to go through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in both the House and Senate before being considered for final passage and signing by the governor. The timeline for this process can vary, but it is typical for a bill of this nature to take several months to a year or more to reach completion.