ATLANTA – State Representative Devan Seabaugh (R-Marietta) touts the Georgia House of Representatives’ recent passage of House Bill 451, sponsored by Rep. Seabaugh, to provide supplemental insurance for first responders diagnosed with occupational Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“This legislation sends a powerful message that we value the wellbeing of our first responders and are committed to ensuring they can continue serving our communities without compromising their own mental health or taking on increased financial burdens to seek treatment,” said Rep. Seabaugh. “This crucial legislation will also help break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness. I was proud to sponsor this legislation, which I have worked on for several years, to provide hope and support to these valuable public servants.”
HB 451 would require a public entity to provide supplemental, illness-specific insurance to certain first responders diagnosed with occupational PTSD. Coverage would be available once per one’s lifetime and would include a $3,000 cash benefit and an income replacement disability benefit provided 90 days after a PTSD diagnosis.
The bill passed unanimously in the House and will now be sent to the Senate for a vote.
The full text of HB 451 may be found here.
Representative Devan Seabaugh represents the citizens of District 34, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2021 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Industry & Labor Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health. He also serves on the Code Revision, Creative Arts & Entertainment, Public Health and Transportation committees.
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