Senate committee advances bill extending mental-injury workers’ comp to 911 telecommunicators

CS for SB 774, explained by Senator Pizzo, would extend enhanced workers’ compensation benefits to 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries that arise from their employment. Pizzo said the change recognizes the mental-health toll of dispatch work and cited staff counsel’s recommendation that the legislature “find and declare this act…fills an important state interest.”

Jessica Hall of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office testified in support, thanking the committee and saying, “By acknowledging [the] mental and emotional toll of this work, you have validated what so many have silently endured.” Hall described dispatchers as public servants whose work “often happens behind the scenes” but carries “immense responsibility and impact.”

A late-filed amendment (barcode 578584) stating the legislature’s finding of an important state interest was adopted without objection. After debate was waived, the committee called the roll and reported CS for SB 774 favorably.

The committee recorded supporting waivers from Josephine Rios and Stephanie King. The measure now moves to the next Senate stage.