Rep. Peter Abbarno (R-Centralia), House Republican Caucus Chair, recently joined the “A Duty To Act” podcast to discuss HB 1002 (PTSD for County Coroners), HB 1001 (Fire District Funding), as well as his start in politics!

House Bill 1002

Rep. Peter Abbarno introduces legislation protecting coroners and medical examiners | Rep. Peter Abbarno

HB 1002 would allow post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to be considered an occupational disease for county coroners and medical examiner personnel for workers’ compensation purposes. Currently, first responders, such as law enforcement and firefighters, are covered by similar occupational disease protections from PTSD under the workers’ compensation system.

House Bill 1001

Rep. Peter Abbarno pre-files legislation creating permanent funding solutions for rural fire districts | Rep. Peter Abbarno

House Bill 1001 would create a permanent grant program to support the capital needs of rural fire districts and departments. House Bill 1001 was pre-filed ahead of the 2025 legislative session.