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SD 706

An Act relative to the cancer presumption for police officers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Lovely

SD 706: An Act relative to the cancer presumption for police officers OverviewBill Number: SD 706 Title: An Act relative to the cancer presumption for police officers Status: Hou

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 706

SD 706: An Act relative to the cancer presumption for police officers

Overview

Bill Number: SD 706
Title: An Act relative to the cancer presumption for police officers
Status: House concurred
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to expand the existing cancer presumption law for police officers in the state. The current law establishes a presumption that certain types of cancer diagnosed in police officers are work-related, making them eligible for workers' compensation benefits. This bill seeks to broaden the types of cancers covered under this presumption, providing greater protections and support for officers diagnosed with cancer that may be linked to their hazardous occupational exposures.

Key Provisions

  • Adds the following cancer types to the presumption: prostate cancer, skin cancer, and brain cancer
  • Lowers the minimum employment requirement from 5 years to 3 years for the presumption to apply
  • Requires the state to cover the full cost of medical treatment for officers diagnosed with a presumptive cancer
  • Extends the presumption to include officers who have retired within the past 5 years

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill directly impacts current and recently retired police officers in the state. By expanding the types of cancers covered and reducing the employment threshold, more officers will be able to access workers' compensation benefits and have their treatment costs fully covered. This is expected to provide significant financial relief and peace of mind for officers and their families facing cancer diagnoses.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has passed the state Senate and is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. If the House concurs with the Senate version, the bill will be sent to the Governor for final approval and enactment. If passed into law, the new cancer presumption provisions would take effect 90 days after the Governor's signature.

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

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