On February 4, 2015, Senator Edna Brown (D-Toledo) joined Senator Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) to give sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 5 in the Senate Transportation, Commerce and Labor Committee.  The bill would allow peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical workers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from employment without an accompanying physical injury eligible for compensation and benefits under Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation Law.

Senator Brown testified, “I want to thank Senator Patton for once again allowing me to join him as a primary sponsor of this important legislation. In the course of their work serving our communities, first responders can be exposed to horrific situations that cause PTSD symptoms. Providing immediate access to treatment for these brave men and women is the right thing to do.”

A similar bill came before the 130th Ohio General Assembly, SB 252, which passed the Senate but did not pass the Ohio House. The bill died in legislative lame duck session at the end of 2014.