As presumptions continue to see proposed expansions in workers’ comp, two states are considering extending pre-existing PTSD presumptions to 911 operators.

Florida Senate Bill 774 would expand the state’s existing first responder mental-injury presumption to include 911 dispatchers, placing them under the same workers’ comp rules as firefighters, law enforcement, and paramedics. This presumption would cover PTSD, anxiety, and other mental/nervous injuries resulting from traumatic events.

If enacted, this bill would go into effect July 1, 2026.

Vermont Senate Bill 306 would extend the state’s existing PTSD presumption to “first responder in communications” which includes:

• Any individual currently or formerly certified by the Vermont Enhanced 911 Board as a 911 call taker
• Public safety dispatchers
• Public safety telecommunicators
• Emergency operators
• Emergency telecommunicators

If enacted, this bill could go into effect July 1, 2026.