Governor Chris Sununu Signs SB 59 Into Law

Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed SB 59, adding post traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder to the definition of "injury" for purposes of workers' compensation, establishing the commission to study the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders, and clarifying workers' compensation for firefighter and heart, lung, or cancer disease, into law surrounded by firefighters and first responders at the Manchester Central Fire Station.

"I am proud to sign this piece of legislation into law today surrounded by men and women who selflessly put themselves in harm's way, without so much as a second thought for their own well-being," said Governor Chris Sununu. "Today's signing builds upon last year's occupational cancer bill and reaffirms our commitment to provide and care for New Hampshire's firefighters and paramedics, ensuring that an array of long-term support services are available to them."

"New Hampshire's communities count on firefighters and paramedics to arrive on scene and deliver the public safety," said Bill McQuillen, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire. "With last year's commission, our partners led by Senator Birdsell began to reduce the stigma around the lingering effects of these scenes. We could not be more proud of this bipartisan effort to move the ball forward for all public safety workers' mental health and continue to reduce the stigma for the general public."