Wisconsin Expands Workers' Comp for Volunteer Firefighters with PTSD

New bill covers mental health support for those responding to trauma

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Wisconsin State Senate has passed a bill that will expand workers' compensation coverage to include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel across the state. The legislation, introduced in November 2025, recognizes the mental health challenges these first responders face in service to their communities and aims to ensure they receive the support and protection they deserve.

Why it matters

Volunteer firefighters and EMS workers often experience high levels of trauma and stress in the line of duty, but have historically lacked access to the same mental health resources as full-time first responders. This new law seeks to address that gap and provide critical support for those who selflessly serve their local communities.

The details

Assembly Bill 651 was passed by the Wisconsin State Senate on February 12, 2026, after being introduced in November 2025 by the Committee on Workforce Development, Labor and Integrated Employment. State Senator André Jacque (R-New Franken) later signed on as a cosponsor. The Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA) has celebrated the bill's passage, stating it "recognizes the very real mental health challenges our volunteers face in service to their communities" and is "a significant step toward ensuring those who respond to trauma receive the support and protection they deserve."

  • The bill was introduced on November 13, 2025.
  • The Wisconsin State Senate passed the bill on February 12, 2026.

The players

Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA)

A professional organization representing fire chiefs across the state of Wisconsin.

State Senator André Jacque

A Republican state senator representing the 1st Senate District in northeastern Wisconsin, who co-sponsored the bill.

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What they’re saying

“This legislation recognizes the very real mental health challenges our volunteers face in service to their communities. It's a significant step toward ensuring those who respond to trauma receive the support and protection they deserve.”

— Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA)

What’s next

The bill will now go to the Wisconsin State Assembly for consideration before being sent to the governor for final approval.

The takeaway

This new law represents an important step forward in supporting the mental health of volunteer first responders in Wisconsin, who play a vital role in their local communities but have historically lacked access to the same resources as full-time firefighters and EMTs. By expanding workers' compensation to cover PTSD, the state is recognizing the unique challenges these volunteers face and working to ensure they receive the care and support they need.