Modifies provisions relating to workers' compensation for certain first responders

HB 2817 modifies the rules for workers' compensation benefits for first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and police officers. The bill expands the types of conditions eligible for coverage by explicitly recognizing repetitive motion injuries, hearing loss from industrial noise, radiation exposure, and specific diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues as occupational illnesses. It also establishes legal presumptions that make it easier for these workers to receive benefits for certain infectious diseases, heart and lung conditions, and psychological stress or mental disorders if they were healthy when they started their jobs. Under the new provisions, the burden of proof shifts to the employer to show that a worker's condition was not caused by their employment, particularly for the listed infectious diseases and mental health issues. Additionally, the bill defines psychological stress and mental disorders as compensable occupational diseases if they require medical services or result in disability, provided they are diagnosed within three years of the worker's last active duty.