(KNSI) – Lawmakers are proposing a bill to eliminate police and firefighters from retiring early due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Officials say first responders are retiring at record rates due to PTSD they develop on the job. St. Paul Democrat Representative Kaohly Vang Her is sponsoring HF1234 to establish training programs to prepare officers for the trauma they will face, identify when they have PTSD, provide mental health help to treat PTSD and give them a chance to return to their jobs rather than take early retirement.
The bill would require up to 24 weeks of mental health treatment before an officer with a psychological condition, such as PTSD, could apply for disability benefits. Public safety agencies must continue paying the employee’s salary and benefits during treatment. Current police and firefighters would be required to undergo the training.
The House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee approved HF1234, as amended twice, Thursday on a voice vote with no dissent. The bill has been sent to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee.
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