A second proposal set before Georgia lawmakers would make post-traumatic stress disorder compensable for first responders.

SB 484, by Sen. Randy Robertson, R-Cataula, introduced Wednesday, would clear red tape for workers' compensation benefits for a first responder who experiences one or more psychologically traumatic events on the job and is thereafter diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder by a mental health professional.

The bill states that such a psychological injury shall be presumed to arise out of and in the course of employment and “may be rebutted by scientific evidence that the first responder experienced a psychiatric stressor from a source other than a psychologically traumatic event arising out of and in the course of the first responder's employment.”

The provisions mirror those in HB 855, by Rep. Gregg Kennard, D-Lawrenceville, which was introduced Jan. 24.

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