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
John Cronin
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about S 1637
Scope: MA
Hi! I can help you understand S 1637. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline