Connecticut Senate Bill SB00824

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/13
• Refer: 2/1/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Workers' Compensation Coverage For Firefighters And Police Officers.

Impact

This change is significant as it extends protections and benefits to first responders who suffer cardiac emergencies while performing their duties. By allowing these cases to be presumed as line-of-duty occurrences, SB00824 aims to provide necessary support for those who sustain life-altering health crises while serving the community. This adjustment to the law acknowledges the inherent risks associated with emergency services and the negative health outcomes that can arise from intense job-related stress.

Summary

SB00824, titled 'An Act Concerning Workers' Compensation Coverage For Firefighters And Police Officers,' seeks to amend current workers' compensation laws to include specific provisions for firefighters and police officers. The bill proposes that any health condition or impairment caused by a cardiac emergency occurring during the course of duty should be presumed to have happened in the line of duty. This applies to members of a paid municipal fire or police department who have begun their employment on or after July 1, 1996. The presumption is maintained unless proven otherwise by a preponderance of evidence, provided that the individual successfully passed a physical examination upon entry into service without any indication of the condition at that time.

Contention

While the bill is likely to receive support from public safety unions and organizations advocating for the welfare of firefighters and police personnel, potential points of contention may arise regarding the burden of proof should fall on municipalities to disprove an injury's connection to service. This aspect could lead to debates about the implications for local governments regarding increased workers' compensation claims and associated costs. Furthermore, there may be discussions around the adequacy of the initial physical examinations and their ability to accurately predict long-term health outcomes for these professionals.