The bill, SB 394, seeks to provide workers' compensation coverage for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) specifically for first responders in Montana, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency care providers. It establishes that these individuals can file compensable claims for PTSD if diagnosed according to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, effective July 1, 2025. The legislation amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify that while general stress claims are not compensable, PTSD claims arising from the course of employment for first responders are exceptions.

Key amendments in the bill include the insertion of language that defines PTSD as a compensable injury and modifies the definition of "occupational disease" to encompass PTSD claims while excluding other stress-related claims unless specified. The bill also clarifies that an injury must be established by objective medical findings and emphasizes that emotional or mental stress is not considered an injury unless directly related to a specific traumatic event. This legislation reflects a recognition of the unique mental health challenges faced by first responders and aims to align Montana's workers' compensation system with similar provisions in other states.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_1(1): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_1(2): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_1(3): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_1(4): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_1(5): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_1: 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(1): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(10): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(11): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(2): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(3): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(4): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(5): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(6): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(7): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(8): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2(9): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_2: 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(1): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(10): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(11): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(12): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(13): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(14): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(15): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(2): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(3): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(4): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(5): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(6): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(7): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(8): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3(9): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_3: 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(1): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(10): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(11): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(12): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(2): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(3): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(4): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(5): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(6): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(7): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(8): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X(9): 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119
SB0394_X: 39-71-105, 39-71-116, 39-71-119