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Bill

HD 4275

An Act relative to the cancer presumption for police officers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jessica Giannino

Creates workers' compensation presumption that cancers in Massachusetts police officers are job-related, enabling faster benefit access without proving occupational causation.

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Bill Summary · HD 4275

Legislative bill overview

HD 4275 expands workers' compensation protections by establishing a presumption that certain cancers diagnosed in police officers are work-related occupational diseases. Under this presumption, officers diagnosed with covered cancers would be eligible for workers' compensation benefits without having to prove a direct causal link between their job duties and the disease. The bill creates a streamlined process for police officers to access compensation for cancer-related illnesses.

Why is this important

Police officers face documented exposure to carcinogens including smoke, chemicals, asbestos, and radiation during their careers. If passed, this would reduce the financial and legal burden on officers fighting cancer, allowing them to access medical and income-replacement benefits more quickly. This recognizes occupational health risks that are difficult to prove through traditional causation evidence but are widely acknowledged in public health literature.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and costs: Presumption laws expand workers' compensation payouts; municipalities and insurance carriers may face significantly higher costs without clear limits on coverage duration or benefit amounts
  • Definition scope: Disputes could arise over which specific cancers qualify, which police job classifications are covered, and whether retired officers are included
  • Precedent concerns: Establishing cancer presumptions for police may trigger similar requests from firefighters, EMTs, and other occupational groups, creating cascading compensation obligations

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

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