By Rebecca Beitsch
The Bismarck Tribune
BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota House voted down a bill that would have required Workforce Safety and Insurance coverage for first responders like paramedics.
The state workers compensation law generally does not cover a work incident involving mental trauma unless the affected worker suffers physical injuries.
The issue came to light when a Gilby woman sued for coverage of her post-traumatic stress disorder after the bank at which she worked was robbed.
“If a first responder watched two of his co-workers get killed and had a mental injury because of that, it wouldn’t be covered,” said Rep. Ron Guggisberg, D-Fargo, a sponsor of the House Bill 1427.
“First responders are there to protect you when you need them,” Guggisberg said later. “Please vote green so that you’re there when they need you.”
Rep. Gary Sukut, R-Williston, said the committee voted against the measure because it would be too costly and would raise premiums for members.Rep. George Kieser, R-Bismarck, said the bill unfairly offered the coverage to one particular group of people instead of those working in all sectors.
The bill died after a mainly party line vote with 29 in favor and 63 against.
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