S 1637 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to the disability or death caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

This bill creates a legal presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in specific first responders and correctional employees was caused by their work, rather than personal factors. It applies to police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, airport crash crews, and correctional officers who passed a physical exam before starting their jobs but later develop PTSD within five years of leaving service. Under this new rule, these workers would automatically qualify for disability or death benefits unless the employer can prove the condition resulted from non-work-related risks. The legislation also explicitly excludes cases where PTSD stems from standard personnel actions like layoffs, transfers, or disciplinary measures taken in good faith.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Mar 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Mar 4, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Mar 4, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Service
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of John Cronin
John Cronin
DDemocratic
MA
Worcester and Middlesex