House passes firefighter compensation bill

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A bill that would make certain local firefighters eligible for workers' compensation coverage for mental or emotional damage has passed the Connecticut House of Representatives.

State representatives voted 143-to-3 in favor of the bill Wednesday. It now awaits action in the state Senate.

Under the proposed legislation the current workers' compensation statutes would be expanded to include firefighters who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing the death of a colleague in the line of duty.

To qualify, the diagnosis would need to be made by a licensed and board certified mental health professional.

Connecticut police officers currently receive similar protections.

Republican Rep. Christie Carpino, of Cromwell, spoke in favor of the bill, saying a large percentage of local Connecticut firefighters are volunteers and should have this benefit.