Signed by Governor Dave Heineman

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands workers' compensation eligibility to include mental injury and mental illness that is a result of "extraordinary and unusual circumstances" of a first responser's employment conditions.

Highlights:

-Defines "first responder" as a sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, officer of the Nebraska State Patrol, volunteer or paid firefighter, or volunteer or paid individual who is licensed to provide immediate medical care (Sec. 1). -Requires the first responder to establish, by a preponderance of evidence, the medical causation between the mental injury or mental illness and the employment conditions by medical evidence (Sec. 1). -Specifies that mental injuries and mental illness are not consider compensable if they result from any event or series events which are incidental to normal employer-employee relations, including, but not limited to, disciplinary actions, work evaluations, transfers, promotions, demotions, salary reviews, and terminations (Sec. 1). -Specifies that the provisions of this Act apply to mental injuries that occurred on or after the effective date of this Act and before June 30, 2014 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text