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Fla. first responder PTSD bill one step closer to becoming law

The bill that would provide workers’ comp for first responders with PTSD passed the latest committee vote unanimously

By EMS1 Staff

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida bill that would grant first responders with PTSD access to workers’ compensation passed its latest hurdle with an unanimous vote.

Click Orlando reported that Bill 227 passed the House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations subcommittee and is on its way to a final House subcommittee hearing next week.

Pulse first responder Gerry Realin’s wife, Jessica, who testified before the committee, said she is confident that lawmakers are on her side.

“It is nice to see my family’s struggle along with other first responders’ cries for help finally being heard,” she said.

Realin added that one of the committee members stressed to her the importance of first responder spouses testifying to show the emotional impact of PTSD.

“I’m confident the bill will pass this session,” Realin said. “The league of cities argues cost but the financial impact they provided was unrealistic.”

If approved, the bill will become law July 1.

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