New York introduced Senate Bill S6832 and Assembly Bill 05087, companion bills intended to provide workers’ comp benefits to members of the National Guard that responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

If enacted, the bills would categorize organized militia members as state employees, entitling members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia, and the New York Guard to workers’ comp benefits for certain occupational illnesses.

Previously, the state enacted laws to expand those who could receive workers’ comp benefits, but National Guard members were excluded.

If enacted, individuals would have two years to refile claims.