The Wisconsin State Senate passed a bill Tuesday that removes a barrier for professional police officers and firefighters to file a Worker’s Compensation claim when they get treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The bill awaits a hearing in the Assembly.
As the law is currently written, first responders must prove their trauma is at a higher level than the standard for their profession. In a high-stress job, that can throw out a lot of claims.
A bipartisan group of senators and representatives are trying to remove that standard in the legislation passed Tuesday, though they have tried before. The last session’s bill also included volunteer first responders and emergency medical technicians.
Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, said she would like to see those provisions added this time around.