Florida PTSD first responders bill heads to governor

A bill that would provide workers compensation benefits for first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder is now heading to Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s desk.

Both the state’s Senate and House of Representatives passed S.B. 376 unanimously on Saturday and Monday, respectively. A similar bill failed last year.

The bill would provide both medical and paid leave for first responders diagnosed with PTSD if one of 11 conditions are met. The conditions include witnessing a homicide, treating an injured person, or seeing a dead child, according to the bill.

If signed, the bill would go into effect on Oct. 1.