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Bill

SB 860

Workers' compensation benefits; disorders induced by law-enforcement officers and firefighters.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Christie Craig and 2 co-sponsors

Expands Virginia workers' compensation to cover mental health disorders for law enforcement and firefighters caused by job-related trauma and stress exposure.

Incorporated by Commerce and Labor (SB1301-McPike) (15-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 860

Legislative bill overview

SB 860 expands workers' compensation coverage for law enforcement officers and firefighters to include mental health disorders and conditions induced by job-related trauma and stress. The bill was incorporated into SB 1301, which passed Commerce and Labor Committee with unanimous support (15-0 vote).

Why is this important

Law enforcement and firefighting involve regular exposure to traumatic incidents, violence, and high-stress situations that can cause PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Currently, workers' compensation systems in many states—including Virginia—often exclude or limit coverage for mental health claims unless tied to a specific physical injury, leaving first responders to bear significant medical and financial burdens for job-induced psychological harm.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding coverage eligibility could increase workers' compensation insurance premiums for municipalities and state agencies, raising local government budgets
  • Causation standards: Determining which mental health disorders are directly "induced" by job duties versus pre-existing or personal factors presents evidentiary and administrative challenges
  • Precedent concerns: Approval may create pressure to extend similar protections to other high-stress occupations (healthcare workers, social workers, corrections officers)

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

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