McFall, Mueller Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support First Responders Battling PTSD
Bipartisan bill package creates specialized fund and establishes a presumption of causation for post-traumatic stress injuries sustained in the line of duty
LANSING, Mich., May 1, 2026 — State Reps. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden) introduced House Bills 5953 and 5952 to modernize Michigan’s worker’s disability compensation system by recognizing the unique psychological toll of emergency service. The bipartisan legislation establishes a specialized fund and a presumption of causation for post-traumatic stress injuries, ensuring first responders can access critical support without unnecessary bureaucratic delay.
House Bill 5953 establishes a “presumption of causation” for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for eligible first responders. This shift removes the heavy legal burden currently placed on workers to prove their injury was work-related, ensuring they can access benefits more quickly. National data highlights the urgency of this change: research indicates that first responders are significantly more likely to experience PTSD and depression than the general public, and tragically, police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
“Our first responders show up for us on the worst days of our lives, and it is our responsibility to show up for them when the weight of that service becomes too much to bear,” McFall said. “By creating a presumption of causation for PTSD, we are removing the bureaucratic hurdles that prevent our heroes from getting the help they need. This isn’t just about policy; it’s about ensuring that those who protect our communities don’t have to fight a second battle against red tape just to heal.”
The package also includes House Bill 5952, which creates the Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Fund within the state treasury. This fund would be used to pay authorized claims and administrative costs for those who have served at least five cumulative years in high-stress occupations.
“Michigan cannot continue to ask first responders to carry the weight of traumatic incidents without recognizing the lasting impact that these events create,” Mueller said. “PTSD is real, and this legislation is about doing right by those who serve. When more officers take their lives than die in the line of duty per year, we have a problem.”
The Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU) has been a vocal advocate for these protections, citing the high rates of secondary trauma within the profession.
“The accumulated trauma and extreme physical toll of this profession result in our members being diagnosed with PTSD at an alarming rate,” said Matt Sahr, President of the MPFFU. “This common-sense legislation recognizes the unfair burden placed on career firefighters and establishes a vital safeguard for those who have given the most. We fully support Representatives McFall and Mueller for recognizing this crisis and working to protect those who protect us every day.”
The individuals eligible for support under this legislation include full-time, part-time, and volunteer police officers and firefighters, as well as county sheriffs and their deputies. The bill also extends these critical protections to licensed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, state correctional officers, and the 911 dispatchers and call takers who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies.
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