Oklahoma Senate Bill SB333

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Workers' compensation; authorizing benefits for certain injury; establishing procedures for award of benefits for certain injury. Effective date.

Impact

A significant aspect of SB333 is its provisions regarding mental injuries and illnesses. It delineates that mental injuries are not compensable unless they result from a physical injury, which may limit claims for mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) faced by first responders. The bill outlines specific criteria for compensable mental health injuries, thus impacting the broader landscape of mental health support within the workers' compensation system. It aims to provide a structured approach for treating and compensating first responders with mental health challenges stemming from their duties.

Summary

Senate Bill 333 (SB333) focuses on amending workers' compensation laws in Oklahoma, specifically concerning volunteer firefighters and mental health benefits for first responders. The bill allows volunteer firefighters to secure workers' compensation insurance through a designated group insurance pool administered by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, with the state providing a yearly premium for each firefighter. The total state funding for this program is capped at $320,338 annually, benefitting volunteer fire departments across the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the limitations set for mental injury claims. Critics argue that the requirement for a physical injury to accompany mental health claims could hinder access to necessary benefits for first responders experiencing severe mental health struggles without physical injuries. As such, there may be a concern that the bill does not sufficiently address the unique challenges faced by first responders, particularly in scenarios involving traumatic events that lead to PTSD, as these individuals may struggle to obtain proper treatment and compensation.