WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1002

Recognizing posttraumatic stress disorder as an occupational disease for county coroners, examiners, and investigative personnel.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peter Abbarno and 9 co-sponsors

HB 1002 designates PTSD as an occupational disease for Washington county coroners and death investigators, automatically entitling them to workers' compensation benefits for job-related trauma.

By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1002

Legislative bill overview

HB 1002 would classify posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as an occupational disease for county coroners, examiners, and investigative personnel in Washington State. This designation would make these workers eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they develop PTSD as a result of their job duties, without requiring them to prove a specific traumatic incident caused it.

Why is this important

Coroners and death investigators regularly expose themselves to graphic scenes of human suffering, death, and violence—conditions scientifically linked to PTSD development. Currently, these workers must navigate complex legal processes to prove causation; occupational disease classification streamlines access to medical treatment and wage replacement benefits, acknowledging workplace trauma as an inherent occupational hazard rather than a personal vulnerability.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding workers' compensation coverage increases employer and insurance costs; fiscal impact estimates and who bears these costs (county budgets, state funds, or insurance pools) may face scrutiny
  • Definition scope: "Investigative personnel" could be interpreted broadly or narrowly, creating disputes over which death-investigation roles qualify and potential inequities between similar positions
  • Causation challenges: Even with occupational disease classification, establishing that PTSD stems from work rather than personal history or external life events may remain contentious in individual claims

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

Sign in to ask a question.