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SB 458

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- CANCER BENEFITS FOR FIRE FIGHTERS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island law presumes certain cancers in firefighters are job-related for workers' compensation, guaranteeing benefits without proving workplace causation.

07/03/2025 Effective without Governor's signature
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Bill Summary · SB 458

Legislative bill overview

SB 458 establishes cancer benefits for firefighters in Rhode Island municipalities, presuming certain cancers are work-related occupational diseases. The bill expands workers' compensation coverage to include specific cancer diagnoses without requiring firefighters to prove direct causation from job exposure.

Why is this important

Firefighters face elevated cancer risks from occupational exposure to carcinogens during their careers. This law reduces the burden on affected firefighters and their families by streamlining access to workers' compensation benefits, while shifting some healthcare and disability costs to municipal budgets and workers' compensation systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on municipalities: Cities and towns face increased workers' compensation insurance premiums and potential benefit payouts, which may strain budgets or increase property taxes
  • Scope of presumptive cancers: Defining which cancers qualify as occupational (without requiring proof) could create disputes about eligibility or expand beyond firefighting-specific risks
  • Insurance cost increases: Private insurers covering municipal workers' compensation may raise rates broadly, affecting other municipal employees and town budgets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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