Bill to Give First Responders Workers Comp for PTSD Heading to Gov's Desk

Joel Gaertig with the Montana State Firefighters Association testifies in support of SB 394

An important proposal that would help protect Montana first responders is on its way to the Governor’s desk, after passing the House of Representatives by a 58-42 margin.

SB 394, sponsored by Senator Cora Neumann, would allow first responders to receive workers compensation benefits if they are diagnosed with PTSD by expanding Montana workers’ compensation to include post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Montana is one of just a few states that don’t include PTSD in its worker compensation law.

First responders put their lives on the line to keep our families safe and our communities secure, and they frequently experience traumatic events while on the job. Joel Gaertig with the Montana State Firefighters Association said the bill would help prevent suicide and resignations: 

“One life prematurely taken is one life too many. If there's an avenue to get our first responders help for mental health injuries on the job, it's also our response to make sure they're taken care of so we can protect our community.”

In addition to being the right thing to do, Sen. Neumann also pointed to the steep costs it takes to retrain and re-equip first responders who are no longer able to do their jobs due to PTSD as another reason to support the bill. 

“We will pay in the long run if we don’t cover this,” Neumann said. “This will have a major impact on our first responders’ lives. When they’re healthy, our communities are healthy.”

This critical bill is now on its way to Governor Gianforte's desk. Follow its progress HERE.

Follow Montana's Professional Firefighters on Instagram