Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes tax-free disability pensions for firefighters if they are diagnosed with cancer while on duty.

Highlights:

• Specifies that any type of cancer found in a firefighter is conclusively presumed to be occupational cancer (Sec 1).

• Specifies that above presumption does not apply to firefighters hired after the effective date of this section in the following situations (Sec 1):

• If a physical examination was conducted at the time of the firefighter was hired and such examination revealed that a person had cancer;

• If the firefighter has completed less than 2 years of employment with their fire department; or

• If the firefighter has regularly or habitually used tobacco products during the 5 years prior to any diagnosis of cancer.

• Authorizes any member in active service, regardless of the length of service, to be entitled to an accidental disability retirement allowance (Sec 2).

• Requires an application for the stated allowance to be made by the member or member’s behalf stating that the member is physically or mentally incapacitated for further service as the result of an injury or illness sustained while on duty and certifying the time, place, and conditions of the duty performed which caused the disability (Sec 2).

• Requires the application to be made within 18 months of the alleged accident (Sec 2).

• Requires the application to be accompanied by an accident and physician’s report certifying the disability (Sec 2).

Full Bill Text