N.M. firefighter PTSD comp bill heads to governor

A bill that would provide workers compensation for firefighters suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, whose condition results in physical or mental impairment and/or death, is now heading to the New Mexico governor’s office.

H.B. 324 passed the state Senate on Friday 35-5 after passing the House on Feb. 28 in a 58-4 vote. The bill amends the firefighter presumption law in New Mexico, covering several cancers and other conditions suffered by firefighters up to 15 years after they leave their job.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Deborah Armstrong, D-Albuquerque, states that a firefighter must be diagnosed with PTSD by a physician or psychologist to qualify for benefits.