This bill amends the duty disability provisions for peace officers and firefighters in Minnesota, introducing new requirements for public employers to qualify for reimbursement from the public safety officer's benefit account. Starting January 1, 2024, public employers must provide either annual wellness training or an employee assistance program to be eligible for reimbursement. The bill also defines "total and permanent duty disability," establishing a monthly disability benefit of 99% of the member's average salary for those who qualify. Additionally, it includes specific protocols for psychological conditions, requiring employees to undergo treatment and obtain a diagnosis from a mental health professional before being eligible for duty disability benefits.

The legislation further outlines the treatment process for employees with diagnosed mental illnesses, mandating up to 24 consecutive weeks of active treatment and ensuring that employers cover treatment costs not paid by health insurance. It establishes a psychological condition treatment account within the Minnesota State Retirement System to fund these provisions and clarifies that treatment for psychological conditions is not compensable under workers' compensation claims. The bill also revises various statutes related to disability benefits, including eligibility criteria, benefit calculations, and training requirements for peace officers, with most provisions effective July 1, 2023, and some effective January 1, 2024. Overall, the bill aims to enhance support for public safety personnel while ensuring clear eligibility criteria and streamlined processes for accessing disability benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299A.465, 352B.10, 352B.101, 353.031
1st Engrossment: 299A.465, 352B.10, 352B.101, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335, 353.656
2nd Engrossment: 299A.42, 299A.465, 352B.10, 352B.101, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335, 353.656
3rd Engrossment: 353.656, 299A.42, 299A.465, 352B.011, 352B.10, 352B.101, 352B.105, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335
4th Engrossment: 299A.42, 299A.465, 352B.011, 299C.04, 352B.10, 352B.101, 352B.105, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335, 353.656
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 353.656, 299A.42, 299A.465, 352B.011, 299C.04, 352B.10, 352B.101, 352B.105, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335
2nd Unofficial Engrossment: 299A.42, 299A.465, 352B.011, 299C.04, 352B.10, 352B.101, 352B.105, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335, 353.656
3rd Unofficial Engrossment: 299A.42, 299A.465, 352B.011, 299C.04, 352B.10, 352B.101, 352B.105, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335, 353.656
1st Engrossment: 299A.465, 352B.10, 352B.101, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335, 353.656
2nd Engrossment: 299A.42, 299A.465, 352B.10, 352B.101, 353.01, 353.031, 353.335, 353.656