AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NOTIFICATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, POLICE OFFICERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS AFTER EXPOSURE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES

SB 751 amends existing law to explicitly include COVID-19 in the definition of "infectious disease" for first responders. This change ensures that firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are exposed to COVID-19 while on duty can access the same occupational disability benefits as for other covered diseases like HIV or hepatitis. The bill updates definitions in the law (specifically in sections 23-28.36-1, 23-28.36-2, and 23-28.36-4) to clarify that exposure to COVID-19 qualifies for notification and disability benefits under the existing framework. It does not create new procedures but ensures current protections apply to COVID-19 cases.