House Bill No. 6954 seeks to amend the current workers' compensation law by introducing "witnessing a serious physical injury" as a new qualifying event for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) coverage for eligible individuals, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and healthcare providers. The bill defines "serious physical injury" in accordance with section 53a-3 and specifies that this new qualifying event will take effect on October 1, 2025. It also clarifies the definition of "qualifying event" to include instances where an eligible individual witnesses a serious physical injury that does not lead to death or the loss of a vital body part or function resulting in permanent disfigurement.

In addition to the new insertion regarding serious physical injuries, the bill removes the previous qualifying event related to witnessing a traumatic physical injury that resulted in the loss of a vital body part or permanent disfigurement. The legislation aims to broaden the scope of workers' compensation coverage for mental health injuries sustained by first responders and healthcare workers, particularly in light of public health emergencies. The bill outlines specific limitations and procedures for claiming PTSI benefits, including a cap on benefits duration at 52 weeks and a prohibition on claims being awarded more than four years after the qualifying event. The potential cost impact on the Department of Administrative Services and self-insured municipalities is anticipated to begin in FY 26, coinciding with the expanded eligibility criteria.