Reschenthaler, Trone Public Safety Officer Support Act Signed Into Law

Press Release

This week, President Biden signed into law Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) and David Trone's (MD-06) Public Safety Officer Support Act. This bipartisan legislation expands the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) to include coverage for first responders who die as a result of suicide or are disabled as a result of traumatic service-related experiences. Previously, the PSOB Program only covered physical injuries, excluding coverage for mental health issues.

"I'm immensely proud we were able to get critical support for our nation's first responders and their families across the finish line," said Rep. Reschenthaler. "Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians serve on the front lines every day to keep American communities safe. For far too long, the Public Safety Officers Benefits program treated the physical and mental wounds officers suffered during their service differently. I'm grateful that changed today."

"First responders often experience more trauma in one day than many of us will experience in our lifetimes. This takes a significant toll on the officers and sometimes leads to disability or even suicide," said Rep. Trone. "We heard first responders loud and clear to make sure the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program is there not only for those suffering from physical injuries, but also from mental injuries. This week, we got the job done for millions of first responders across our country by putting partisanship second, and our people first."

Background:

The Public Safety Officer Support Act:

- Allows public safety officers to seek disability benefits for PTSD linked to severe trauma by directing the PSOB to designate work-related PTSD and acute stress disorders as a line of duty injury for eligible officers, as well as those who are permanently disabled as a result of attempted suicide.

- Allows families of public safety officers who die by trauma-linked suicide to apply for death benefits by directing the PSOB to presume that suicides are a result of job duties in certain traumatic circumstances where there is evidence that PTSD or acute stress disorder would be the cause of the injury.

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (TX) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation with Sens. Dick Durbin (IL), Thom Tillis (NC), Tim Kaine (VA), Susan Collins (ME), Jim Inhofe (OK), and Cory Booker (NJ).

The following organizations supported the Public Safety Officer Support Act: Fraternal Order of Police, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants Benevolent Association, National Sheriffs Association, Blue H.E.L.P., the National Border Patrol Council, United States Capitol Police Labor Committee, and American Psychological Association.

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