Officials raise concerns about bill providing workers' compensation to first responders with PTSD

A week after the Pennsylvania State House passed HB 1632, local municipalities are voicing their concerns about the impacts the bill would have on their budgets.

House Bill 1632 would allow first responders to receive workers' compensation benefits for suffering PTSD on the job. The bill passed with wide bipartisan support, 154-46.

Democratic State Representative Jennifer O'Mara, who was the bill's prime sponsor, said the legislation will allow first responders to be able to get the care they need.

“This is the legislation they are asking for. They don’t ask for many things," said Rep. O'Mara (D-Delaware County). “It will encourage them to seek the treatment instead of trying to hide it or avoid it because they’re afraid they’ll no longer be able to provide for their family.”

West Hempfield Township Manager Andrew Stern is among several municipal leaders who have voiced their concerns with the bill. Stern served as a firefighter for more than 15 years and said he has firsthand experience with the trauma many first responders face on the job.


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