A public hearing before the legislature's Labor Committee is drawing mixed views on a proposal that would expand workers compensation coverage to a person who suffers mental or emotional impairment under certain conditions.

Trumbull Police Detective Robert Capola, representing the Connecticut Council of Police Unions voiced support for the bill saying many first responders to Sandy Hook School on 12-14 suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  He says had those responders suffered a physical injury, they would have been covered under Worker's Comp.  State Police Union President Andrew Matthews says any injury arising from employment should be covered.

Connecticut Conference of Municipalities board member Steve Werbner says they oppose the bill, calling it an unfunded state mandate.  He says if the state deems this bill essential, the state should pay for it.  Werbner also called the bill vague.  He says the maiming definition is open to interpretation and that the diagnosis of metal impairment is highly subjective.  He notes that it could overlap with existing symptoms of depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders

CCM suggests lawmakers look at a number of alternatives.