COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow first responders across the state to receive worker's compensation for mental health treatment, including PTSD.
House Bill 308 would cover firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. Currently, first responders need to be physically injured to receive worker's compensation.
The bill is sponsored by State Representative Tom Patton, saying the traumatic experiences officers face could lead to suicide.
The vote in the house was 74-22 in favor of House Bill 308.
Some opponents of the bill said other occupations may demand coverage as well, causing costs to go up. The bill will be assigned to a senate committee next week.