WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1667

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder under the workers' compensation system.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Canales

Texas bill expands workers' compensation to cover PTSD in first responders as occupational injury without requiring concurrent physical injury.

Left pending in subcommittee
#firefighters&police--general(i0370) #health--emergencyservices&personnel(i0384) #health--otherdiseases&medicalconditions(i0383) #labor--workers'compensation(i0470) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1667

Legislative bill overview

HB 1667 expands workers' compensation eligibility in Texas to cover post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for certain first responders. The bill recognizes PTSD as a compensable occupational injury for qualifying emergency personnel, rather than requiring them to prove it resulted from a specific physical injury at work.

Why is this important

First responders—including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics—face repeated trauma exposure that can cause clinically significant PTSD without accompanying physical injuries. Current workers' compensation systems often deny PTSD claims unless tied to a physical injury, leaving affected workers without coverage for mental health treatment, lost wages, or disability benefits despite work-related causation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to employers and insurers: Expanding compensable injuries increases workers' compensation insurance premiums for municipalities and private employers with first responder employees
  • Definitional scope: Unclear which specific first responder categories qualify and what diagnostic criteria establish work-related PTSD eligibility, potentially creating disputes over borderline cases
  • Presumption vs. proof: Whether PTSD should be presumed work-related for first responders (easier claims) or still require causal connection to specific incidents (more restrictive)

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

Sign in to ask a question.