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Public Safety Officer Support: Benefits for PTSD and Stress Disorders

This act expands the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program to include death or disability resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder. This means that families of officers who die by suicide due to job-related stress, or officers who become disabled from these conditions, can now apply for financial support. The law aims to provide better protection for those who risk their lives daily for the safety of others.
Key points
Expanded Benefits: Public safety officers (police, firefighters, EMTs) and their families can receive benefits for death or disability caused by PTSD or acute stress, recognized as injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Suicide Recognition: Officer suicides resulting from PTSD or acute stress related to traumatic events on duty are now recognized as line-of-duty deaths, entitling families to benefits.
Mental Health Support: The act emphasizes the importance of officers' mental health and encourages seeking help, acknowledging the high risk of trauma in their work.
Retroactive Application: The changes are effective as of January 1, 2019, meaning benefits may apply to cases that occurred since that date.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_3635
Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Process start date: 2022-02-10
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_3635.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2022-02-10.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Expanded Benefits: Public safety officers (police, firefighters, EMTs) and their families can receive benefits for death or disability caused by PTSD or acute stress, recognized as injuries sustained in the line of duty.
  • Suicide Recognition: Officer suicides resulting from PTSD or acute stress related to traumatic events on duty are now recognized as line-of-duty deaths, entitling families to benefits.
  • Mental Health Support: The act emphasizes the importance of officers' mental health and encourages seeking help, acknowledging the high risk of trauma in their work.
  • Retroactive Application: The changes are effective as of January 1, 2019, meaning benefits may apply to cases that occurred since that date.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 420.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Security Health