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Bill

SB 579

Counties - No-Cost Preventive Cancer Screenings for Volunteer and Retired Volunteer Firefighters

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Bailey and 15 co-sponsors

Maryland counties must provide free cancer screenings to volunteer firefighters to address occupational carcinogen exposure, with implementation left to county discretion.

Third Reading Passed (135-0)
0
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Bill Summary · SB 579

Legislative bill overview

SB 579 requires Maryland counties to provide no-cost preventive cancer screenings to volunteer firefighters. The bill mandates that these screenings be offered as part of occupational health services, recognizing firefighters' elevated cancer risk from workplace exposure to carcinogens. Implementation details, funding mechanisms, and screening scope would be determined through county discretion.

Why is this important

Volunteer firefighters face documented occupational exposure to known carcinogens (including benzene, asbestos, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that increase their cancer risk compared to the general population. Early detection through preventive screening significantly improves cancer survival rates, yet many volunteer firefighters—unlike some paid firefighters—lack comprehensive occupational health coverage. This bill addresses a public health equity gap for a population that serves communities without compensation.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding burden on counties: No specified funding source means individual counties must absorb costs, which could create disparities between wealthy and resource-limited jurisdictions and may face budgetary resistance
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify which cancer screenings are included (lung, skin, colorectal, etc.), potentially leading to inconsistent implementation across counties
  • Volunteer firefighter definition: Unclear whether all volunteer firefighters qualify or only those meeting certain service thresholds, and how this applies to part-time/combination departments

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

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