Bill
SCR 13
Proclaims January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month in CA to raise awareness of firefighters' cancer risks and support prevention/research, with no new obligations.
Note on source material
- The metadata for this file (Bill Number: SCR 13; title about memorializing Congress on prior authorization) conflicts with the text of the resolution provided. The legislative text included in the packet is a concurrent resolution (SCR 13, authored by Senator Grayson) that proclaims January as “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.” The summary below describes the actual resolution text supplied.
Summary — SCR 13 (Grayson): Proclaim January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month
Purpose and intent
- The resolution proclaims the month of January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month in California to recognize the elevated cancer risks faced by firefighters, highlight ongoing research and prevention efforts, and encourage continued action to reduce risk, improve early detection, and ensure access to high-quality treatment.
Key findings cited in the resolution
- Cancer is identified as the leading cause of death among U.S. firefighters.
- Recent NIOSH studies are cited showing elevated risks, including:
- 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared with the general U.S. population;
- Twofold increases in incidence and mortality for mesothelioma;
- A tenfold increase in bladder cancer incidents among women firefighters;
- Significant increases in melanoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, and cancers of the prostate, brain, and kidney (per a NIOSH case-control study of California firefighters).
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified occupational exposure as a firefighter as Group 1 (known human carcinogen) in June 2022.
- Historical and programmatic context is cited: AB 3011 (1982 firefighter cancer presumption), the California Professional Firefighters’ Personal Exposure Reporting system (established 1985; ~100,000 exposure reports), FIRESCOPE and its Cancer Prevention Subcommittee, and AB 700 (2023) which created the California Firefighter Cancer Prevention and Research Program administered by the University of California and FIRESCOPE.
- The University of California awarded eight research grants in 2024 totaling nearly $6,000,000 under AB 700.
Key provisions / changes
- This is a ceremonial concurrent resolution; it:
- Formally proclaims January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month in California; and
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
- The resolution does not create legal obligations, new programs, or appropriations.
Who is affected
- Primarily symbolic; it recognizes and raises public attention to:
- Firefighters and fire service organizations in California;
- Public health and occupational safety stakeholders;
- Research institutions and programs focused on firefighter cancer prevention and treatment.
- Because it is non-binding, it imposes no regulatory or fiscal obligations on state agencies.
Procedural and timeline notes
- Classification: Concurrent resolution (no binding legal effect).
- Fiscal committee: None indicated (no fiscal impact).
- Introduced: January 13, 2025 (per metadata).
- Status: Document indicates the resolution was sent to the Secretary of State on June 13, 2025 (enrolled/forwarded for final filing). The resolution requests distribution of copies to the author.
Implications / likely impact
- The resolution is primarily symbolic but can help:
- Raise awareness among the public, policymakers, and employers about firefighter cancer risks;
- Support ongoing prevention, exposure tracking, early-detection, and treatment efforts;
- Reinforce and publicize state-supported research funded under AB 700.
- Because it contains no mandates or funding directives, any material changes in programs, enforcement, or budgets would require subsequent legislation or administrative action.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
