House Passes Legislation Creating PTSD Presumption for 1st Responders

Thursday, May 10, 2018 | 0

The Minnesota House of Representatives has passed legislation that would create a presumption for post-traumatic stress disorder claims filed by first responders.

Rep. Nick Zerwas

The House included the mandate in an omnibus supplemental public safety finance measure on May 3, according to a report by Minnesota Lawyer. Rep. Nick Zerwas, R-Elk River, introduced the amendment to the spending plan.

Gov. Mark Dayton said on Friday that he supports a statutory presumption that PTSD is an occupational disease if claimed by a first responder. The Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council was asked to support a PTSD presumption more than a year ago but has taken no action, Zerwas told Minnesota Lawyer. 

During discussion on Zerwas’ amendment, Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-St. Paul, offered to amend the bill further by adding language to disband the advisory council. Lawmakers from both parties expressed support, but Mahoney withdrew the amendment later, according to the report.

The amended public safety spending plan must also be approved by the state Senate.