Connecticut Bill Seeks to Extend Worker’s Comp Coverage for PTSD

State lawmakers are revisiting a proposal to expand Connecticut’s worker’s compensation law to cover post-traumatic stress disorder.

A bill before the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee would provide coverage to state or municipal employees diagnosed with the disorder after visually witnessing a traumatic event or visually witnessing the aftermath. The event would have to be connected with the worker’s employment.

The committee was scheduled to meet Tuesday to hear testimony about the bill.

Similar legislation was proposed last year following the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. Legislative leaders, however, created a special fund to help pay for uncovered mental health costs for workers affected by the shooting, such as police officers and school employees. However, advocates say more is needed.

Municipalities claim the bill will impose new costs.