OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, secured unanimous approval today in the House Civil Judiciary Committee for House Bill 4260, a measure aimed at strengthening workers’ compensation protections for Oklahoma’s first responders.

HB4260 would create a legal presumption in workers’ compensation cases for firefighters, peace officers and emergency medical technicians who suffer a heart attack or stroke after intense, on-duty activity.

"When our first responders run toward danger, they put more than their safety on the line," Hays said. "The physical strain of fighting a fire, pursuing a suspect or responding to a medical emergency can take a serious toll on the heart. This bill simply recognizes that reality and ensures they are not left fighting for benefits after giving everything on the job."

Under the bill, if a qualifying first responder experiences an acute myocardial infarction or stroke that results in disability or death within eight hours of engaging in stressful or strenuous emergency response activity or training, the condition would be presumed to have occurred in the course and scope of employment.

Hays said the legislation reflects the physical toll that emergency response work can take on those who serve on the front lines.

"If a firefighter, police officer or EMT suffers a heart attack or stroke after a grueling shift, their family should not have to carry the additional weight of proving it was job-related," Hays said. "This bill offers peace of mind and certainty for the men and women who serve and for the loved ones who depend on them."

Under current law, injured workers often must prove that a medical event is directly related to their employment. HB4260 would shift that burden in narrowly defined circumstances, providing clarity for families and helping reduce lengthy legal disputes when a serious cardiovascular event closely follows intense duty.

The bill now advances to the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee for further consideration. If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, HB4260 would take effect Nov. 1.