Oklahoma House Passes Bill to Support First Responders' Health

Legislation would provide workers' compensation benefits for heart attacks and strokes tied to emergency response work

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:06am

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The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed House Bill 4260, which would allow firefighters, police officers, and EMTs to receive workers' compensation benefits if they suffer a heart attack or stroke within eight hours of completing a shift involving strenuous emergency response activity or training. The bill, authored by Rep. Neil Hays, aims to acknowledge the physical toll that first responders face on the job and ensure they can access necessary benefits.

Why it matters

First responders often put their health and safety on the line when responding to emergencies, and the physical strain of their work can lead to serious medical issues like heart attacks and strokes. This legislation seeks to provide a safety net for these public servants by making it easier for them to receive workers' compensation if they experience these types of health crises shortly after completing their duties.

The details

House Bill 4260 would allow firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians to receive workers' compensation benefits if they suffer a heart attack or stroke within eight hours of finishing a shift that involved strenuous emergency response activities or training. The bill has now moved to the State Senate, where Sen. Avery Frix is serving as the Senate author.

  • The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 4260 this week, meeting a major legislative deadline.
  • The bill now heads to the State Senate for consideration.

The players

Rep. Neil Hays

The author of House Bill 4260, which aims to provide workers' compensation benefits for first responders who suffer heart attacks or strokes after strenuous emergency response work.

Sen. Avery Frix

The Senate author of House Bill 4260, which is now under consideration in the State Senate.

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What they’re saying

“When first responders run toward danger, they put more than their safety on the line. The physical strain of fighting a fire, pursuing a suspect or responding to a medical emergency can take a real toll on the heart. This bill acknowledges that reality and helps ensure they are not left struggling to access benefits after giving everything on the job.”

— Rep. Neil Hays, Oklahoma State Representative

What’s next

The bill will now be considered by the Oklahoma State Senate, where Sen. Avery Frix is serving as the Senate author. If passed by the Senate, the bill will then go to the governor for final approval.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to provide crucial support for Oklahoma's first responders, who often face significant physical and medical challenges as a result of their demanding and dangerous work. By making it easier for them to access workers' compensation benefits after experiencing heart attacks or strokes, the state can help ensure these public servants are cared for after putting their health on the line to protect their communities.