To satisfy new state laws regarding work-related injuries suffered by first responders, Frisco has amended its workers’ compensation policy.
City Council adopted the ordinance on November 21 that creates a separate policy for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service employees, per The Dallas Morning News. The new policy also adds to provisions mandated by law: one year of paid leave for illness or injury endured on the job and one year of light duty while recovering from a disability.
The Frisco Fire Fighters Association president, Matthew Sapp, claims that House Bill 471, filed by Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), was initially resisted by city staff.
“When they spoke, all they spoke about was they didn’t believe the bill was needed,” Sapp said. “They didn’t want that workers’ comp bill because it requires them to actually take care of their employees.”
According to a November 29, 2022, statement from Patterson’s office, House Bill 471 “seeks to improve workers’ compensation benefits by providing line of duty illness and injury leave policies at the local level, clarifying tobacco use as it relates to cancer diagnosis, and allowing coverage for recent post-duty heart attacks or strokes.”
Sapp says the new law was first introduced after the experience two Frisco firefighters had dealing with workers’ compensation issues with the city.
One, who suffered a broken back while on duty, received a return-to-work letter before she had her postoperative appointment with her doctor. She is now employed in a lower-salaried position with the city.
The other firefighter, who has cancer, went through denials and appeals within the worker’s compensation subdivision, ultimately leading to a new role with lower pay.