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LB 744

Include public safety communications personnel in certain provisions relating to first responders in the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act and the Critical Incident Stress Management Act

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Cavanaugh and 1 co-sponsor

Bill extends workers' compensation and mental health protections to Nebraska's 911 dispatchers and communications staff, treating them as first responders for injury and trauma coverage.

Notice of hearing for February 02, 2026
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Bill Summary · LB 744

Legislative bill overview

LB 744 expands the definition of "first responders" in Nebraska's Workers' Compensation Act and Critical Incident Stress Management Act to explicitly include public safety communications personnel (911 dispatchers and related staff). Currently, these workers may not receive the same protections and benefits as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics despite direct exposure to traumatic incidents.

Why is this important

Public safety dispatchers regularly handle high-stress emergency calls, witness violence and trauma secondhand, and experience PTSD and mental health crises at rates comparable to field responders. This bill would ensure they access workers' compensation coverage for service-connected injuries and mental health support through critical incident stress management programs—recognizing their role in emergency response infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to employers/state: Expanding workers' compensation eligibility increases claims and administrative costs for municipalities and the state; fiscal impact unclear without actuarial data
  • Scope definition: "Public safety communications personnel" may be interpreted broadly or narrowly, creating disputes over who qualifies (e.g., non-emergency administrative staff vs. 911-only dispatchers)
  • Mental health coverage debate: Some argue psychological injury claims lack objective measurement standards compared to physical injuries, potentially opening to fraudulent claims or disputes over causation

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

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