Oklahoma's House Civil Judiciary Committee approved a bill aimed at easing workers' compensation claims for first responders and their families after certain medical emergencies. House Bill 4260, sponsored by Rep. Neil Hays, would create a legal presumption that heart attacks or strokes occurring within eight hours of intense duty are job-related for firefighters, peace officers, and EMTs.
According to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the presumption is intended to reduce the need for injured workers to prove a direct link between their medical event and their job. HB4260 now moves to the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. If it passes the remaining steps and is signed by the governor, it would take effect by November 1.
The bill also provides that if a qualifying first responder experiences a disabling or fatal heart attack or stroke, it will automatically be assumed to be work-related in workers' compensation cases. This is intended to simplify claims for affected employees and their families.
