Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB451

Introduced
2/16/23  
Report Pass
3/6/23  
Introduced
2/16/23  
Report Pass
1/25/24  
Report Pass
3/6/23  
Report Pass
2/21/24  
Report Pass
1/25/24  
Engrossed
2/27/24  
Report Pass
2/21/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Engrossed
2/27/24  
Report Pass
3/21/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Enrolled
4/3/24  
Report Pass
3/21/24  
Chaptered
5/1/24  
Enrolled
4/3/24  
Chaptered
5/1/24  

Caption

Public officers and employees; supplemental, illness-specific insurance for certain first responders with occupational post-traumatic stress disorder; require provision

Impact

The enactment of HB 451 is anticipated to significantly alter the landscape of mental health support available to first responders in Georgia. By requiring public entities to provide these insurance benefits, the law reinforces the recognition of PTSD as a serious occupational hazard within the first responder community. Notably, the law includes provisions that prevent the reimbursement for mental health care from undermining existing major medical insurance coverage, thereby reinforcing the mental health infrastructure without creating redundancy.

Summary

House Bill 451, also known as the Ashley Wilson Act, amends Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to provide specific insurance benefits for first responders diagnosed with occupational post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill mandates that public entities must offer insurance coverage that accommodates benefits for eligible first responders who experience covered conditions related to traumatic events encountered during their service. This legislation aims to ensure the mental health funding and resources are available for first responders at crucial times, particularly right after diagnosis and during treatment procedures.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 451 appears to be positive, particularly among stakeholders within public safety professions who recognize the value of addressing mental health issues proactively. Legislative discussion has emphasized the importance of supporting first responders, who often face severe challenges due to their high-stress work environments. While there is broad support for the provisions intended to assist first responders, concerns about funding mechanisms and the overall implementation of the benefits have been raised by some legislators.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the fiscal aspects of funding these new insurance benefits, with discussions on how public entities will sustain such provisions amidst budget constraints. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the administration of these benefits to ensure prompt and confidential access for first responders as they navigate the challenges of PTSD. Despite these concerns, the urgency to provide appropriate support mechanisms for first responders diagnosed with PTSD is underscored as a critical priority by various advocacy groups.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB2492

First responders; post-traumatic stress disorder

GA SB311

Creates a new occupational disease under workers' compensation to include post-traumatic stress disorder in certain first responders

GA SB165

Permitting workers compensation benefits for first responders who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

GA S2373

Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.

GA SB120

Establishes post-traumatic stress disorder as an occupational disease

GA HB274

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fund established to provide PTSD health costs for first responders, Dept of Labor authorized to regulate

GA HB323

Relating to first responders; to require certain benefits be made available to first responders suffering from work-related post-traumatic stress disorder; to make certain leave benefits available to employed first responders; and to have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

GA A2886

Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.

GA S703

Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.

GA HB4147

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Similar Bills

MS SB2404

Cancer coverage under First Responders Health and Safety Act; extend eligibility.

MS HB1531

MS First Responders Health and Safety Act; revise to expand certain coverage to certain retired first responders.

MS HB1033

First Responders Health and Safety Act; revise to provide that the cancer benefits will be paid by the state and not insurance policies.

MS HB784

First Responders Health and Safety Act; revise to provide that the cancer benefits will be paid by the state and not insurance policies.

TX HB673

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

TX SB1776

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

TX HB4147

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

NC S601

First Responders Mental Health Care Plan