Labor & Employment (Public Safety)

This bill (S.222) creates new survivor and disability benefits for Vermont emergency personnel, including firefighters, EMTs, and certified law enforcement officers. It establishes a Review Board to process claims for survivors (spouses, children, or parents) if an officer dies in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness, and for disabled personnel with permanent total disability incurred during duty. Benefits are paid directly to eligible survivors or disabled personnel, with decisions made within 60 days by the Board, and appeals possible in Superior Court if denied. The bill applies to those employed by or volunteering with Vermont state, local, or nonprofit emergency services entities.

This Vermont bill (S.306) defines 911 call takers, public safety dispatchers, and emergency communications staff as "first responders in communications" for the first time. It requires employers to provide relevant training and extends workers' compensation benefits for PTSD to these dispatchers, presuming PTSD diagnosed during service is job-related unless proven otherwise. The law specifically covers Vermont dispatchers certified by the Vermont Enhanced 911 Board who handle emergency communications. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects all Vermont emergency communications dispatchers.